Are Your Tires Ready For Winter?

Posted October 22, 2018

Now that the weather is cooling down in Ramsay County, it won’t be long before snow and freezing rain start showing up in the forecast. With the roads about to get treacherous, it’s a great time to make sure that your tires are ready to handle the slick/slippery conditions they’re soon to be tasked with negotiating!

Here are a few pre-winter tips for you re: tire maintenance:

Check Tread. The rule of thumb is that 1/8 of an inch is the bare minimum amount of tread you need to be safe on the road. When tires reach 1/16 of an inch, they’re officially bald and unsafe to drive on. You can look for wear indicator bars on your tires, test their depth with a penny (if you can see Lincoln’s whole head you’re below 1/16) or swing by our shop for a quick inspection.

Check Air Pressure. Low air pressure can affect your tire’s shape and how the tread handles terrain. Be sure to keep an air pressure gauge in your vehicle in order to check your tires when they start to appear low. Many service stations have gauges and air compressors available as well.

Check your Spare. You’ve got one but is it in decent condition? It’s a good idea to check on your spare tire every now and then to make sure it’s road-ready (pressure, tread, etc.) in case you need to use it.

Be Prepared. Emergencies can pop up in an instant so it’s a good idea to be ready with supplies in case something goes wrong with your tires. For example, having kitty litter or salt in your trunk can give you traction if you’re stuck in the snow.

Consider Snow Tires. It’s not always necessary to get snow tires for your vehicle but they’re definitely an option for some drivers during the winter months.

To obtain a comprehensive tire inspection, be sure to swing by AM-PM Automotive Repair – our technicians have the know-how and equipment necessary to diagnose and assess your tires as we head towards winter in Minnesota! Schedule your tire inspection ONLINE or give us a call at 651-426-0462.