You should install your winter tires when the temperature consistently approaches freezing.
Ask a technician to make sure the tires are rotated from where they were during the last winter season. You should also ask for the remaining tread depth to be measured and the air pressure to be adjusted.
Find the right tireCheck your tire pressure each month
Tires lose pressure as the temperature drops. For example, if a tire has a pressure of 29 psi at 62º F, the pressure may be only 26 psi at 32ºF. So it’s really important to check your pressure at least once a month.
If you are adjusting your tire pressure outside in ambient temperature, set it to the vehicle manufacturers’ recommended pressures. Only adjust pressure when tires are cold---either stationary for 3 hours or more or driven less than 1 mile.
More on air pressureIf you have multiple sets of tires, proper tire storage is a must. (Just setting them off in the corner of your garage isn’t enough.) Proper storage ensures that your tires’ appearance and performance are maintained. Before you store your tires, be sure to inspect each one for damage or uneven wear.
In case of emergencies, you may get stuck or need to spend time in your car waiting for help. Make sure that your vehicle is equipped with:
Checking reports on road conditions will help you make driving decisions and avoid dangerous situations. If conditions are particularly bad, you may want to stay off the roads.
Identify the person/people to call in case of emergency (ICE) by putting these three letters before their name(s) in your list of cell phone contacts.
Make sure you always have at least half a tank of gas to avoid a frozen fuel line. Also, carry extra windshield washer fluid to ensure proper visibility.