Baby, it’s cold outside. You know what that means: It’s time to pay extra attention to your vehicle’s tires. Luckily, there are key ways to tell how the cold affects your tires.
Under Pressure
First of all, the cold is going to mess with your tire pressure. Newer models have systems that monitor your vehicle’s tire pressure and alert you when something’s off. Don’t ignore those alerts! If you already know that the cold is likely to decrease air pressure in your tires, go ahead and get them filled with air. Keep a tire gauge handy so that you can measure the pressure and adjust it accordingly. If you don’t know how to to do this — say you’re a young driver who doesn’t quite trust himself, or an elderly person who might have trouble getting down and back up to make the necessary changes — come by Rusty Wallace Kia and let us give you a hand.
Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Cold weather can affect the rubber on your tires. Has it been a while since you checked your tire tread, or checked the inward-facing walls of your tires for an air bubble? The cold weather can be merciless. Old rubber cracks easily in the cold, and you’re going to want to pay special attention to your tires to try to ensure that they remain road-worthy.
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Control Issues
The cold can mean a loss of traction and a poor grip for your tires. This means a loss of control, which can lead to a messy outcome if you’re driving in the cold on subpar tires. Keep your vehicle inside a garage if at all possible to minimize the damage that can occur to your tires during the winter months. Avoid potholes which can damage your tires (and the undercarriage of your vehicle, too), and check the pressure in your tires at least monthly. This will help you maintain good tire pressure and keep your vehicle on the road in good condition.
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