How Do I Prepare My Tires for Winter?

Get your tires ready for winter driving with these tips.

If you live in the Midwest, you know the toll that harsh winter conditions can take on your vehicle. From slush to icy roads, driving in winter weather can be the worst. With help from Blain’s Farm & Fleet, you can get your tires ready for the cold weather.

Regularly Check Your Tire Pressure

Maintaining the correct tire pressure can make all the difference between a smooth ride and a blowout. For every 10 degrees that the temperature drops, the air pressure in your tires goes down one to two PSI (pound per square inch).

When a tire is under inflated, it can affect your gas mileage and tread wear. You need to check your tire pressure at least once a month in the winter with a tire pressure gauge.

You can find your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure in the driver’s side door or your owner’s manual.

Keep Up With Regular Tire Service

One of the best things you can do to get your vehicle ready for winter is keep up with regular tire service. If you regularly get your tires balanced and rotated, they shouldn’t experience uneven wear.

Maintaining a tire service schedule will not only help your tires in the winter, but all year round. You can visit your local Blain’s Farm & Fleet tire shop for all of your tire service needs.

Test Your Tire Tread

Uneven tread wear or worn down tires can make it more difficult to drive in the winter. With snow and ice on the road, your tires need to be able to grip, brake, and accelerate. When your tread is worn down, you’ll have less control of your vehicle.

There are a few ways to easily test your tire tread. You can test it with a tire tread depth gauge. This will give you a reading of the depth of the tire tread.

You can also do the penny test. Insert a penny into the tire tread groove, with Lincoln’s head facing upside down. If you can see Lincoln’s entire head, it’s time for new tires.

Consider Snow Tires

Of course, you can always opt to switch out your all-season tires for some snow tires. Snow tires provide better grip and braking abilities when compared to all-season tires. They’ll also give your all-season tires a longer lifespan because you’re giving them a break in the winter.

To figure out if they’re right for you and your vehicle, read our article about the pros and cons of snow tires.

At Blain’s Farm & Fleet, we understand that driving in the winter can wreak havoc on your vehicle. That’s why we offer all the auto repair and tire services you need at every service center. From alignments to tire repair to oil changes, we have the auto repair services to get you through the winter months.

For more tips on caring for your vehicle, visit our Automotive Blog.