With much of the country still dealing with ice- and snow-covered roads, potholes and other hazards, the Tire Industry Association (TIA) is presenting some tips to help motorists stay safe in winter driving conditions:
Check the tread depth on your tires.
According to TIA Senior Vice President of Training Kevin Rohlwing, “Use the old-fashioned ‘penny test’ to make sure your tires have adequate tread depth. Just insert a penny upside-down into the major tread groove of each tire. If the top of Lincoln’s head is visible, it’s time to buy replacement tires. And, if you are considering winter tires, be aware that they need to be installed on all four positions of a front-wheel-drive vehicle.”
Consider putting cat litter or rock salt in your trunk.
“This will serve two purposes: It will provide weight to your car, which will help you get through ice and snow on rear-wheel-drive vehicles, and, if you do get stuck, you can pour it under your tires to help provide traction to get you out,” says Rohlwing. “You should also consider putting items such as a portable snow shovel, flashlight, blanket, gloves, non-perishable food, water and first aid kit in your trunk as well.”
If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow or ice, do not exceed 35 mph on the speedometer if your vehicle is not equipped with a limited slip differential – or 70 mph if your vehicle does have a limited slip differential.
When a tire is in a free-running spinning condition at these indicated speeds, centrifugal force can pull the tire apart and cause vehicle damage, personal injury, or even death, according to Rohlwing. Use slow, steady acceleration pressure and rock the vehicle back and forth. Or, try to apply sand, gravel or cat litter for added traction.
If you are considering snow chains or studded winter tires, know your state’s laws and make sure you properly install and remove them.
State laws regarding snow chain and studded winter tire use vary; in some states they are forbidden while in others they are mandatory in certain areas at certain times. Thus before using snow chains or studded winter tires contact your state government to find out what the rules are. If you do decide to use snow chains, be sure to read the instructions thoroughly and put them on or take them off only in a safe area free from traffic, Rohlwing advises.
Check your spare tire.
Be sure that your spare tire is in proper working order before you need it, and make sure that if you need to change your tire, you pull off to a safe area to make the change, Rohlwing notes. “It’s very simple – if you don’t take care of your tires, you will not be able to get through winter driving conditions safely. Proper tire maintenance can make the difference between a safe trip and a potentially dangerous trip,” he says.
For more information, visit www.tireindustry.org.
