Should I Change My Tires Before Winter?

When you purchase a set of new tires, there are no guarantees with respect to how long you will be able to drive on them. There are so many factors that come into play, and they all affect the life of your tires. For example, the type of tires that you have on your vehicle makes a difference. It is also important to factor in where you live, what the weather is like, and how you drive your vehicle. While you can’t be certain, it is always a good idea to have your tires looked at if you have been driving on them for four or five years. One question that many people have is whether or not they should change their tires before the winter season.

Is Mileage Important?

Taking into account how many miles you’ve driven on your car is important, as most tires are equipped to drive about 50,000 miles. However, always read your owner’s manual because your vehicle may be different than someone else’s. When it comes to your tires, you always want to err on the side of caution.

Check For Wear

Before you make any decisions on replacement, check your tires for wear. It is actually quite simple to do so; take a quarter and insert it into a groove on each of your tires. If Washington’s head touches your tread, you should be able to handle another season of snow and rain. However, you do need to begin looking for a tire to buy. If there is space above the head, it is important to get new tires on your vehicle right away because you don’t have enough tread remaining.

What If I Drive In the Snow?

Snow adds an additional complication to this process. If you frequently drive on snow covered roads, you want to change your tires sooner than other drivers in order to stay safe on the road. You need more tread in order to handle the challenging conditions that snow creates, and if you don’t have enough, your tires won’t grip the road as well and you will have difficulty moving around town.

How Can I Make My Tires Last Longer?

Frequently check the air pressure to make sure that you do not allow the levels to get too low. Have your tires rotated on a regular basis; one way to do this is by having your tires switched when you get your oil changed. Also, properly maintaining your vehicle is important as well.

Many people hesitate to replace their tires because the process is expensive. However, your tires keep you safe on the road, and you don’t want to take any chances in the winter. If your tires cause you to get into an accident, the cost of repairs will likely be much higher than a set of new tires. Therefore, keep your vehicle in good working condition at all times. If you have any questions about the state of your tires or the way your car is functioning, bring it in to Ethan’s Honest Automotive. They are happy to take a look and give you advice on what you need to do to prepare for the winter.