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Cold Hard Facts on Braking in Winter

posted on 12/21/2022 1:42:18 AM
Driving in winter means battling with the elements. Whether it’s accounting for the time it will take to chip ice off your windshield or worrying about what kind of rust your car is getting from all the salt on the road, there are a lot of concerning factors involved. One thing we don’t want you to stress about is braking safely in snowy and icy conditions. We’ve got tips to keep your tires in tip top shape and keep you putting on the brakes with caution and peace of mind
 

How Cold Weather Affects Your Tires 

A drop in temperature can affect your tires in a variety of ways. Cold weather tends to make the pressure in your tires drop due to the air inside condensing. Driving on tires with low pressure can mean worse handling, making them more dangerous to drive on in general. Between this and the fact that driving on low pressure can cause damage to the tires long term, it’s a good idea to check your tire pressure frequently in the winter months.
 
Cold weather also tends to make rubber more brittle and prone to cracks and breaks. This especially affects tires on the treads and in the seams. As you can imagine, this combined with low air pressure can really do a number on your tires.
 

What to Look for on Your Tire Treads 

Because tires get a much worse workout in the winter, it’s a good idea to check on the tread depth regularly to assure you they’re still safe to drive on. An easy way to check is to insert a quarter Washington’s head first into the tire tread. If you can see the top of his hair, it’s time for a tire replacement.
 
If you observe any visible cracks between your tire treads, it’s a good idea to get them replaced. This can mean serious problems with the tire’s structural integrity.
 

How to Brake on Ice and Snow

The most important thing to remember is to keep a safe distance from other cars. Even if you feel prepared for anything, you cannot predict what the drivers around you will do. It’s best to ensure you have plenty of room to stop when you see those brake lights up ahead come on.
 
You should be driving at a slower speed in general during the winter. The faster you’re going, the harder and faster you’ll have to brake and the less control you’ll have if you’re driving on ice or snow.
Never slam on the brakes in icy conditions. Do what you can to slowly stop the car. If you feel the car slipping, take your foot off the accelerator first and let the car gradually slow before applying the brake. The less you hit your brakes while driving on the ice, the better. 
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Highland Tire proudly serves the local Natrona Heights, Tarentum, PA area. We understand that buying new tires can be overwhelming. Let us help you choose from our large selection of tires. We feature tires that fit your needs and budget from top quality brands, such as Michelin®, BFGoodrich®, Uniroyal®, and more. We pride ourselves on being your number one choice for any tire service, from flat tire repair to tire rotation. Let us earn your business.