In a mid-western city like Chicago, maintaining your tires or choosing a reliable set of replacements is important as the weather transitions from the warm summer sun to the cold winter wind. Just as people begin trying on old winter jackets to make sure they don't get caught freezing during the first snow fall, your car needs a little preparation for the change in season. Your tires are the only point of contact with the road so it is vital to make sure they are the proper type and in road-worthy condition because let's face it, even with a warm jacket on, the side of the road is a dangerous, cold and generally miserable place to be.
The condition of your tires is the first consideration when preparing for the snow and ice. If your tires have cracks in the sidewalls or treads, excessive uneven tread wear patterns, shallow tread depth (less than 4/32 inch), leaks or other factors that compromise their integrity, now is the time to repair or replace them. The possible problems associated with neglected or worn out tires all directly affect your safety and the safety of the folks sharing the roadways with you. If you’re not comfortable or are ill-equipped to inspect your tires, take your car to a professional technician and have it done.
If you have determined your tires are not fit for the winter roads, it’s time to look at replacements. The most popular types of tires for winter applications are All Season (A/S) or Mud and Snow (M+S). All Seasons are just as their name implies a good general purpose tire that will handle well on most terrains and weather types. If you can maintain proper tire pressure, tread condition and drive at speeds proportionate with the weather, these tires will work well for you. If you like to drive more aggressively or off the beaten path, M+S tires may be a better choice due to softer rubber treads that more efficiently conform with and adhere to the road but please bear in mind, you still have to stop so take it easy on the gas pedal. If you do go with an M+S style tire, you may want to have a set of All Seasons to keep in your garage to swap with when the snow melts in the spring because M+S tires will wear faster and run hotter on dry roads.
As cornerstones of your vehicle, proper maintenance and consistent attention to your tires will save you money, keep you safe and provide peace of mind as you travel through the elements this winter.
The condition of your tires is the first consideration when preparing for the snow and ice. If your tires have cracks in the sidewalls or treads, excessive uneven tread wear patterns, shallow tread depth (less than 4/32 inch), leaks or other factors that compromise their integrity, now is the time to repair or replace them. The possible problems associated with neglected or worn out tires all directly affect your safety and the safety of the folks sharing the roadways with you. If you’re not comfortable or are ill-equipped to inspect your tires, take your car to a professional technician and have it done.
If you have determined your tires are not fit for the winter roads, it’s time to look at replacements. The most popular types of tires for winter applications are All Season (A/S) or Mud and Snow (M+S). All Seasons are just as their name implies a good general purpose tire that will handle well on most terrains and weather types. If you can maintain proper tire pressure, tread condition and drive at speeds proportionate with the weather, these tires will work well for you. If you like to drive more aggressively or off the beaten path, M+S tires may be a better choice due to softer rubber treads that more efficiently conform with and adhere to the road but please bear in mind, you still have to stop so take it easy on the gas pedal. If you do go with an M+S style tire, you may want to have a set of All Seasons to keep in your garage to swap with when the snow melts in the spring because M+S tires will wear faster and run hotter on dry roads.
As cornerstones of your vehicle, proper maintenance and consistent attention to your tires will save you money, keep you safe and provide peace of mind as you travel through the elements this winter.
Photo: LizMarie (Everystockphoto.com)
For more automotive advice and information, check out my Examiner articles.
For more automotive advice and information, check out my Examiner articles.
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