Winterizing Your Vehicle: Tires and Traction System
Last week we looked at the importance of checking your brakes before heading into winter. Today we’re going to focus on tires and traction. Taking steps to make sure your tires are in good working order is one of the most important ways to ensure your family’s safety while traveling during the cold, rainy months.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Wet, icy or snowy road conditions pose an increased safety risk. For tires to get the best possible traction, they must be properly inflated. During winter, air pressure drops, decreasing tire pressure.
The ideal time to check tire pressure is first thing in the morning before driving your vehicle -- before your tires have warmed. “Many vehicles have tire pressure sensors. The sensor light comes on in the morning simply because the evenings are cooler,” says Dale Comer, SJ Denham Service Advisor. “When this light comes on, it’s a good idea to come in and have your tires set to the proper pressure.”
Dale says with proper tire pressure, the full tread surface touches the ground, which makes for better handling, braking and maneuverability. Making sure your tires are properly inflated will not only improve traction, it will help protect wheels from damage that might occur if you run over a pothole.
Invest in Snow Tires
If you live at higher altitudes or travel to the mountains frequently, you might want to invest in a set of snow tires. Snow tires are optimal for driving in icy or snowy conditions because they have a special tread pattern that allows your vehicle to “grip” the road better in the most extreme weather conditions. When the threat of winter road conditions is over, you can go back to using your all-season tires. “Switching out tires is a simple dismount and mount, which takes about 45 minutes,” says Dale.
If you decide against snow tires, be sure to put chains in your vehicle before heading into questionable weather conditions.
Make Sure Your Four-wheel-drive System is Working Properly
Many drivers don’t use their 4WD system during the fair weather months, so by the time winter rolls around there’s a good chance its mechanical status has not been thought about for some time.
Most likely, a well-cared-for vehicle’s 4WD system will be in good working order, but to be on the safe side, check to make sure it engages and disengages smoothly. “Go to an area where you are off the pavement, where your tires can move freely,” says Dale. If you hear strange clunking or shuddering noises, have your vehicle inspected by a professional. Take this time to check the transmission fluid and gear oil levels as well.
“As always, we are happy to check the tread depth on tires to make sure they are at a good, safe level. We check tire pressure and we’re also here to advise the customer on the proper tire for their driving conditions,” says Dale. And remember, at SJ Denham, we offer a “Tire Price Guarantee” on all makes and models of vehicles.
Need assistance winterizing your vehicle? Head north to SJ Denham Chrysler Jeep and Tire Center on North Market Street in Redding and North to SJ Denham Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Mount Shasta. We’re here to help!