Our vehicles suffer a lot in extreme weather, whether it is sweltering summer or freezing winter. During winter, the low temperatures make it difficult to rev the engine. That is how temperature affects something covered and protected. Imagine the impact cold can have on your tyres that are exposed to harsh weather elements.
If you plan to install new tyres from an online tyre shop, here are a few winter tyre care tips you can follow for excellent performance and long life:
If you plan to get new tyres, see that you get them installed before the arrival of winter. This is a must-follow tip for those who reside in regions that experience heavy snowfall. Continuing to drive with old and worn-out tyres increases the chances of the vehicle skidding on ice, as old tyres tend to get hard and lose grip on the road.
The air expands during hot weather and contracts in cooler temperatures. As a result, the air molecules get closer together due to contraction. That’s why the tyres deflate due to loss in air volume and air pressure in winter. See that you check the tyre pressure more often thanin the summer. Uneven tyre pressure makes it hard to drive and is tyre damaging. Driving with under-inflated tyres is difficult because the vehicle does not behave as it should during braking.
Incorrect tyre pressure can lead to a blowout. Make sure you check the tyre pressure every 30 seconds or whenever there is a 10-degree change in temperature.
You can increase your tyre durability and ensure uniform tyre with tyre rotation. Experts recommend rotating tyres every 10,000 km or before if the tyres wear out unevenly. In winter, tyre rotation should be done every 8,000 km.
If you have extra tyres that are not in use, see that you store them with the correct inflation and controlled pressure. The best way to store tyres is by placing them vertically in a single file on a shelf at least 10 cm above the floor.
Tyres need more tread for efficient driving through snow and ice. Worn-out tyres reduce traction, which can increase the chances of accidents. Make sure that the tyre tread isn’t too worn out. Check it before it gets too cold, especially before the first snowstorm. In winter, go with 3 mm tread depth instead of the advised 1.6 mm in the winter.
As winter draws near, see that you invest in quality winter tyres because they allow for better grip on wet and slippery roads. The small sipes that make the many extra edges give additional support and grip on the road. Deeper grooves effectively displace water and snow.
One can never know what is underneath the blanket of snow. Always keep a spare tyre in the car. There could be a sharp or pointed objects obscured under the snow increasing the risk of punctures.
A car tyre needs more care during harsh weather. Ensure that you follow the above tips for the safety and durability of your tyres.
