Tire preparation for winter weather

In winter weather, you want to take care of yourself and that can mean taking care of your vehicle too. The best way to stay safe is to stay off snowy and icy roads. However, if you have to drive, auto experts say it’s imperative to check your tire tread depth.

One of the easiest ways to do it is the good old penny trick. If you stick a penny in the groove of the tire and see the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head, Bill Schrider, the owner of In & Out Tires and Auto Care says they’re not safe to drive on. Even if your tires do pass the test, he says it’s still important to drive with caution.

Schrider says, “The tires will build up with snow. If you don’t have good tread depth the snow won’t leave. You know everyone can move nowadays with the front wheel drive cars, but it’s a lot harder to stop. If you have snow packed in your tread you’re not going stop. You’re going slide.”

Drivers should also let their cars heat up a bit before driving. It puts less pressure on wipers. A warm windshield allows the snow and ice to melt off easier.