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Driving in the upper Midwest during the winter months can be hazardous. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures all impact driver safety during the Wisconsin winters. Fortunately, there are several ways to be prepared when it comes to keeping your tires in good condition. Here are 3 tips when it comes to winter driving preparedness:

Rotate Your Tires Regularly

Getting regular tire rotations is an important part of owning a car. Many people get their tires rotated when they visit their local auto shop to get their regular oil changes. Tire rotations are important for several reasons, one of which is keeping your tires free of expedited wear and tear. Without regular tire rotations, your tread will start to wear down in a pattern that isn’t good for your tires because it is so imbalanced. This causes structural issues with the tire and can lead to a flat tire or even a tire blowout, which is the last thing drivers want during the winter months. Rotating your tires regularly promotes even tread wear and extends the life of your tires.

Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly

During the winter months, your tires tend to lose air more quickly compared to the summer months. This means that your tire pressure can impact the way your car drives and handles due to the inadequate amount of pressure and air in your tires. One way to know if your tires need to be filled is by checking the PSI with a tire gauge. Simply remove the cap (store it safely in a temporary spot) and secure the tire gauge onto the air valve, and your tire’s PSI will show up. Replace the cap promptly and repeat with all tires. Your recommended PSI will usually be in your door jamb or owner’s manual. Your check engine light could be alerting you to low tire pressure. Moreover, if your tire pressure monitoring system light (TPMS light) is on, this indicates that your tires are significantly underinflated and it’s likely unsafe to drive.

Get Winter Tires

A great way to ensure you’re prepared for winter driving is to invest in winter tires. As opposed to all-season tires, winter tires feature tread that is specifically beneficial for the winter months. Winter tires provide more grip and better traction on the roadways. This allows for quicker acceleration and braking, which is hugely beneficial during the winter when snow and ice have such a major impact on the roads. Moreover, winter tires provide better vehicle handling, so you feel like you have more control behind the wheel.

If you need tire rotation services, if your TPMS light is on, or if you are ready to invest in new winter tires, contact Tire Pros & Wheel Experts. Our auto technicians are proud to offer several auto services near Hudson to help drivers like you remain safe on the roads this winter. Contact us to schedule preventative car maintenance or for any of our other vehicle services.