Winter Tire Essentials: It’s All About Traction!
In ice or heavy snow, your vehicle loses traction when it hydroplanes on a micro-thin layer of water between the ice and the surface of your tires.
The advanced tread designs of M/S (Mud and Snow) tires will significantly improve your vehicle’s ability to grip the road under severe weather conditions. Stay safe on the road. Be sure that your vehicle is equipped with M/S tires this season.
Here are some useful tips for checking your winter tires:
- Examine tread depth: In adverse conditions, your tires should exceed the minimum tread depth. You need at least 4/32 inch tread depth in every major groove on front tires and 2/32 inch on other tires. Use a gauge to determine if you have enough tread for safe driving.
- Look for signs of uneven wear or damage (punctures, cuts, bulges) to avoid tire failure or air loss.
- Test air pressure: Tire pressure decreases by about one pound per square inch for every 10-degree drop in air temperature, so it’s vital that drivers check the air pressure regularly during the winter weather season. Keep in mind that over inflation can cause handling and braking issues and uneven wear, while under inflation creates excessive stress on the tire. Be sure to check air pressure when the tires are cool (not hot from driving).
- Tire Chains: You may find yourself in conditions where you can’t drive without chains. Learn how to put the chains on before you need to do it in ice or snow. Carry the appropriate number of chains for your vehicle and extra cross-links. Check the chains for broken hooks, worn cross-links, and bent or broken side chains.
Download our winter tire essentials tip sheet by clicking below.
For more tips, advice and knowledge about how your fleet and drivers can weather the winter months, visit our website
