Winter Tyre Care, Tyre Care Tips, Winter Tyre Care Tips

A nip in the air, a warm cup of coffee, tucked under the blanket with a good book. That’s what most people think of when the word ‘winter’ comes to mind. And then, there are people who plan a drive. Yes, even in winter.

Well, if you are one of those who loves taking your car for a spin as the temperatures dip, make sure your tyres are in good condition. Good condition tyres translate to you being safe on the road – no matter where or when you drive. How to care for your tyres in winter? Let’s see.

8 Ways to Be Safe on the Road in Winters

1.Install New Winter Tyres a Month Before Winter

It is wise to install new tyres before the winter arrives. This tip is especially true for people living in areas that witness heavy snowfall. If you continue driving with worn-out tyres, there is a chance of skidding on ice or sleet. Moreover, in cold temperatures old tyres can harden and lose grip on the road.

2. Check the Tyre Pressure Often

Air expands when it’s hot and contracts in cooler temperatures. So, the air molecules contract in winter and get closer together. This contraction results in the reduction of air volume and loss in air pressure. This causes the tyres to deflate in winters.

Perform frequent tyre pressure checks in the winter than you normally would. If the pressure is uneven on all the tyres, it may be difficult to drive. It will also be damaging to the tyres. It is dangerous to drive with under-inflated tyres as the vehicle won’t behave in the way you predict when you apply brakes. The worst-case scenario would be a tyre blowout if the tyres aren’t at the right pressure level.

Check the tyre pressure every 30 days or every 10 degrees change in temperature. Keep a close eye on the pressure throughout the winter. If you notice even a slight drop in the pressure, fill it up as soon as possible. Make sure you don’t drive too much when the tyres are underinflated.

3. Check the Tread Depth

In winters, especially snowy areas, tyres need to have more tread to be able to dig into the snow and ice. If the tyres are worn out, there will be a reduction in traction. This will further lead to accidents on the roads, putting you and others at risk.Keep an eye out on the tyre tread in the winter to make sure the tyre hasn’t worn out too much. In fact, check the tyre tread before the weather gets too cold or before the first snow of the season. If you wait until after the first snowstorm, the worn-out tyres may cause the car to skid on the road.

Opt for a 3 mm tread depth instead of the recommended 1.6 mm in winter so that you are better prepared for slippery roads. If the tyres are getting close to the wear blocks, it is time to change the tyres.

4. Rotate Tyres Often

Tyre rotation gives the tyres even wear and increases their durability. Ideally, you should rotate your tyres every 10,000 kilometres or earlier if you notice uneven tyre wear. However, you must carry out tyre rotation of winter tyres every 8,000 kilometres.

5. Install Winter Tyres

As the colder weather approaches, make sure you install winter tyres. They give a better grip on wet and slippery surfaces. They are covered in small slits known as sipes, which create hundreds of extra small edges. These edges give you the extra grip on the road in winters. The deeper grooves can displace snow and water much better than the regular tyres. At the same time, the tread pattern will collect the snow to improve the grip.

Winter tyres can deliver a 25-50% increase in traction over the regular tyres. They are also made of a different type of rubber that stays rigid at cooler temperatures.

You can also use regular tyres during the winter but you will have to keep a close check on the tread. If the tread depth goes low, you won’t get the required traction to keep you safe on the icy and snowy roads. Therefore, it is recommended that you switch to winter tyres for safety.

6. Look for Signs of Tyre Damage

Winters can be brutal on your tyres. The low temperatures, snow, and icy roads can do quite a bit of damage to the tyres. Make sure you examine them every now and then to make sure they are in good working condition.

Check the tyres for splits, punctures or bulges after every drive. These kinds of damages will surely increase the chances of accidents in winter. Notice the wear on the tyres. If there is excess wear in the middle, it means your tyres may be inflated too much. On the other hand, if the edges are worn out, it means the tyres are underinflated and you are driving with low pressure.

7. Store the Tyres Properly

If you bought extra tyres and are not using them, make sure you store them inflated and with controlled pressure.The ideal way to preserve the tyres is by storing them vertically in a single file of a shelf. Make sure that they are kept at least 10 cm above the ground.

8. Keep a Spare Tyre

Always keep a spare tyre in your car. It becomes more important in winter because you can’t see what is underneath the snow. There may be sharp and pointed objects hidden in the snow that can pierce your tyres. Thus, the chance of getting punctures increases.

A spare tyre will also come in handy when you have to change the tyre if they get too worn out or damaged while driving. If you are planning to travel to remote areas, carry a spare tyre or two, if possible. The chances of you finding a tyre shop might be very slim in remote areas.

It is always better to have a backup tyre, especially when you travel in winter.

Driving Safely in Winter

Now that you know how to care for your tyres, you can make sure your tyres stay in great condition throughout the winter. And when the tyres are good, you can drive knowing you are safe.

Here are some tips that you must know when you drive in winter.

Get the vehicle serviced before winter
Stock up car parts that you may need in winter
Make sure your windshield wipers are working fine
Avoid over-speeding
Carry emergency supplies in your car
Leave more space between the cars while driving
Give yourself extra time to go anywhere and drive slow
Stick to well-travelled roads
Park your car inside the garage or under a tarp to protect it from heavy snowfall

Bottom Line

Your car and tyres need some extra love in winter. So, don’t get stingy with it. Follow these tips and your car and tyres will be happy all through the winter. You will also keep yourself and your fellow drivers safe on the roads by taking better care of your tyres. And lastly, good winter care will extend the life of your tyres as well.