How to Protect Your Tires from the Ohio Winter Weather

The holidays rolling in bring all the winter weather for you and your car! Don’t be surprised by just the random Christmas gifts from your grandparents; avoid any unwanted surprises by preparing your tires. You never know what Ohio weather will bring, so be ready for anything this winter. Here are four ways to start prepping your tires for snow, ice, etc. if you haven’t had time to do so already. Our team is here to give you the best car advice to keep you and your family safe on the road. Enjoy prepping your car tires for the holidays and the cold weather that they bring… 1. Check Tire Tread One of the most important steps to getting your tires ready for winter is checking your tire tread. To drive safely on the road, your tire tread must be in great condition. If your tire grooves get too flat, your car won’t have the greatest grip on the road. With this, your car has more of a chance of sliding, which can be very dangerous in the winter. No one wants to have their car slide in weather that is already challenging to drive in. You can have your tires looked at by your local mechanic and tire shop for the best details and advice. 2. Find out the Age of Your Tires The more you are aware of the state of your tires, the more you know how to properly take care of them. You can find the information on exactly how old your tires are inside the sidewalls. Tires will normally last you 6 to 10 years, depending on how rough your roads are and how you drive. Also, don’t forget to check the age of your spare tire. If you want to be extra safe, check with a local mechanic to see their thoughts on the condition of your tires and how much longer they should last you. 3. Tire Alignment Another step we suggest doing is checking to see when the last time you had a wheel alignment was. Many times, if your vehicle is pulling, vibrating, or has uneven tire tread wear, you’re in need of a wheel alignment. This is so important in the wintertime. A proper wheel alignment saves your tires from improper wear on the road and will help your tires last a long time. We suggest getting this type of repair done every couple of years, but it depends on how wide your tires are as well. 4. Tire Pressure Lastly, check your tire pressure! When your tires have the correct amount of air, it saves your tires and your wallet. The more efficiently your tires run on the road, the less gas you will need to buy. As temperatures drop this winter, so will your tires’ air pressure. Make sure to fill them up, especially before your long holiday travels. This will help avoid unwanted flats and repairs. We hope these tips help you start your winter tire prep well! Talk to one of our mechanics anytime, and feel free to stop by our shop. Our team is here to serve you and help you have the best holiday travels. Stay safe and warm on the road!