Dos and Don’ts to Remember While Using Winter Tires
With winters around the corner, you must understand the dos and don’ts for maintaining winter tires. Don’t wait for snowfall before you buy the right set of tires for your car. Instead, do it as soon as chilly weather sets in. Here are some essential dos and don’ts for winter tires that you must follow to ensure safety:
Dos for winter tires
Here are some tips to keep in mind while fixing new winter tires for safe and comfortable driving on cold days:
1. Check for wear and tear
Snow can put excess pressure on the tires, leading to wear and tear. So, you must test the tires from time to time and ensure that they are good to use. This is especially important before setting out on a road trip or a long drive.
2. Get them fixed early
Avoid the last-minute rush and get an appointment for fixing your new tires as soon as winter sets in.
3. Add the right balance
You can feel vibration during a drive if the wheels are not balanced, but a simple tip that can help you prevent this is to get them balanced on their rims.
4. Keep them on only as long as needed
Some laws require drivers to put winter tires on their cars for specific durations or for a time of the year. If this is not the case, ensure that you use winter tires at least as long as the roads are not clear of the snow. That said, it’s equally important that you switch back to regular tires after winter.
Don’ts for maintaining winter tires
Here’s what you must avoid when winter approaches and the roads are flooded with snow mounds:
1. Not fixing winter tires at all
Some states have made it mandatory for vehicle owners to switch to winter tires in the cold months. That said, these tires enhance winter safety and are beneficial for people in other states as well. If you think you can get through the season without them, it’s time you reconsider your decision.
2. Buying the wrong tires
It can get overwhelming to choose a suitable one from among the different types of tires for snowy roads, like snow tires, performance winter tires, and ice and snow tires. So, research each one’s function and fix your vehicle with the right one depending on your location and the amount of snowfall it gets.
3. Putting price over need
Winter tires may cost a little more than the regular tires, but they repay just fine considering the safety they offer during the season. These tires decide how well you will be able to handle the traction on your car.
4. Starting too late
Ideally, a constant temperature dip is an indication that your all-weather tires need to take a break. It’s best to install winter tires as early as possible to ensure the best results.
These dos’ and don’ts for maintaining winter tires will help you drive safely during the season.