By Jeff Steinbach
The safety and handling capabilities of any car or truck ultimately stop where the rubber meets the road. Whether or not the winter months bring snowfall to your location, checking the condition of your tires should always be part of your automotive winterizing regimen.
The first step in making sure your rolling stock is ready for winter is an examination of the tire treads. If your wheels are properly aligned and balanced, the tire treads should be wearing relatively evenly from inside to outside and all the way around. If either edge is more heavily worn than the opposite side, it’s a signal that the wheels aren’t properly aligned.
Other signs of tire trouble include bulges in the sidewalls, cup-like wear patterns and vibrations that can be felt while driving. These can be indicators of internal problems in the tire like a slipped belt, or an unbalanced wheel and tire. Tire balancing is another quick and inexpensive service procedure while tires with internal problems should be replaced immediately.
Improper tire inflation is a common cause of uneven wear. Overinflated tires will show more wear in the center of the tread area while underinflated tires may be getting raw on both the inner and outer shoulders. Keeping tires properly inflated will reduce fuel consumption, improve handling and help tires last longer.
Excessive tread wear, whether uniform or not, can trigger problems when roads get wet or slick. When tread grooves are too shallow, the tires can’t move the water on the road out of the way, leading to a loss of traction.
As we head into the winter months, it’s an excellent time to check out the condition of your tires and make sure they’re ready for whatever you might face. Briarwood Ford’s service department has the information you need to make the best choice in tires for your car and driving conditions.
