Winter Travel - Check Those Tires

Take some time this week to walk around your car, paying special attention to the tires, to stay safe on the road this fall and winter. If you are heading over the pass this winter, be sure to have chains you know how to install. Consider purchasing AutoSock which is a lightweight solution to conventional chains or cables. They are made of Kevlar and other woven fabrics that provide traction and grip on snow and ice. They install and remove in minutes. They weigh just over one pound and come in a flat package, so they are easy to store in your trunk. Have extra food, water, a full tank of gas, and a warm blanket just in case you get stuck. Tread: Take a penny with President Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can still see the top of his head, it’s time for new tires. If not, you’re good! Pressure: Check your tire pressure regularly. If your tires are losing more than one pound per square inch (PSI) a month, it may be time to have them checked out. Rotate: Be sure to have your tires rotated on a regular basis so your tires will have a longer life. Snow Tires: Snow tires have a tread compound that gets harder as the weather gets colder so they provide a better grip. Studded Tires: If you need the best traction available for long winter driving then it's worth the cost and inconvenience to change them for the season.