Wintertime can wreak havoc on vehicles, particularly the tires. You need the best tire protection possible during this time of year so that you do not end up with a cracked tire slowing you down. Now is the time to turn your attention away from custom fit seat covers and focus instead on how you can make sure your tires make it through the season. Fortunately, there is some very simple maintenance you can do to increase the chances of your tires lasting through winter.
Align Your Tires
Your tires should remain properly aligned at all times. However, when you run over disguised potholes or piles of snow, your tires can end up in misalignment. You know when this occurs because your car will usually pull or lean to one side even when you try to keep the steering wheel straight. When this happens, one side of the winter tires will wear down faster than the others, and you will need to replace them sooner than expected.
Wax the Wheels Routinely
You should already wax the body of your vehicle to keep it looking pristine. You need to do the same for your chrome wheels. During the winter, your car will likely kick up grime, dirt and road salt, which will cause the wheels to corrode prematurely. You want to use a chrome-friendly wax to coat on your wheels. This should be done right after you have cleaned them. You want to clean and wax your wheels regularly, especially if you live in a city that puts road salt on the roads to melt away the snow.
Maintain Adequate Tire Pressure
A lower temperature outside will automatically cause your tire pressure to decrease. When you drive around on improperly inflated tires, you will notice a steep drop in fuel efficiency. It will also cause your tires to wear out faster than normal. Many modern cars come with electronic tire pressure displays, so you should hopefully know when it dips below the desired levels. If you drive an older vehicle, then you can use an old-fashioned tire pressure gauge to determine your levels.
Check the Tread
In many places, it is a good idea to swap out your tires during the winter with tires specifically designed for colder weather. In the event you decide not to use snow tires, you at least want to inspect the tread of your usual tires. To determine whether the tread is deep enough, you can take a penny and place it upside down in the tread. In the event you can see all of Abraham Lincoln’s head, then it is time to replace your tires for our own safety. This is also a good time to feel around your tires to see if there is excessive wear on the edges.
Winter is a time to really take stock of what you need to protect your car. The best indoor and outdoor car covers can help immensely if you plan on putting your vehicle in storage. However, never overlook purchasing a new set of tires. You can find an ideal set for your vehicle from a trustworthy online shop.
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