Irish motorists tend to run summer tyres on their cars all year round, regardless of the weather. However, this Auto Express Video comparison test shows, this can be very dangerous.
Have the Proper Tires.
It is important to take proper care of your tires during the winter months. In a season when road conditions can make stopping difficult, your tires serve as your first line of defense against sliding into an accident. First, you should make sure that your vehicle has tires that are rated for all season driving. These tires have treads that are designed specifically to give you better traction in wet and snowy conditions. If your vehicle doesn't have all-season tires, you may want to consider purchasing a set. Alternatively, if you live in a particularly snowy area, you may want to invest in dedicated winter tires (formerly called snow tires).
Check Your Tire Pressure.
Regularly checking your tire pressure is always a good idea, especially during the winter. When the temperature outside drops, the air inside your tire contracts, causing the pressure to drop. This drop in pressure only gets worse the colder it becomes, making your tires even more vulnerable to damage.
To find the correct cold inflation pressure level for your tires, check the label listed on your vehicle's door post, fuel door, glove box, or in the owners' manual. "Cold inflation pressure" is pressure in a tire that has not been driven for at least three hours. As you're driving, your tires begin to warm up. Once you've driven for several hours, it's normal for pressure to build up. You should always check for cold inflation pressure because it's never good to "bleed" or reduce air pressure when tires are hot.
Practice Safe Driving.
At the end of the day, the best tires in the world won't make up for poor driving decisions. By practicing safe winter driving tips, your tires can do the job they were designed for and help keep you out of an accident. Keep in mind the following when driving in adverse road conditions this winter:
Sign In
