Tire Safety Tips for the Winter

 Did you know that at 45 degrees you can begin to see your breath? And that very same temperature is when the all-season tires on your car can start to lose traction and grip?

As temperatures begin to drop in Pennsylvania, the neighborhood tire experts at DISCOUNT TIRE want to remind drivers that if you can see your breath you should be thinking about winter tires.

Winter tires are specially designed to deliver better starting and stopping for drivers in temperatures 45 degrees and below. The tread compound of winter tires stays soft and pliable in colder temperatures, and the tread design is equipped with thousands of extra gripping edges.

To help stay safe on the road this winter, DISCOUNT TIRE recommends Pennsylvania drivers follow these easy winter tire safety tips:

1. Get ready now: It is important to replace all four of your vehicle’s all-season tires with winter tires if you regularly drive in temperatures 45 degrees or below, snow or no snow. Winter tires are made of a softer rubber that allows the tires to stay pliable and maintain better contact with the road through any winter weather conditions. Check online listings from Discount Tire Direct (www.DiscountTireDirect.com) to find the best set of winter tires specific to your vehicle make and model and have them shipped directly to you.
2. Don’t forget the wheels: Having a set of wheels specifically for your winter tires will save you money in the long run. Pairing a separate set of wheels with your winter tires will eliminate certain changeover costs and save your expensive wheels from the wear and tear brought on by ice, slush, snow and salt during the winter months.
3. Know your numbers: Check your tire pressure at least once a month to make sure tires are at the appropriate inflation level. Temperature changes affect tire pressure – for every 10 degrees of temperature change, tire air pressure changes 1 PSI (pound per square inch). Low tire pressure leads to decreased steering and braking control, poor gas mileage, excessive tire wear and the possibility of tire failure. And don’t forget to check your spare tire too!
4. Rotate, rotate, rotate: To increase tread life and smooth out your ride, rotate your tires every 6,000 miles or sooner if irregular or uneven wear develops.

DISCOUNT TIRE’S number one priority is customer safety. Most drivers inevitably wait until the first big snowstorm or cold streak of the season hits, but that’s when lines at your neighborhood tire retailers get long. Save yourself the time and hassle and get prepared with your winter tires early this year.

Discount Tire Direct stocks quality products at the best prices from leading tire brands including Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, BFGoodrich, Pirelli, Falken, Continental and Cooper, along with DISCOUNT TIRE-exclusive brands such as Arizonian, Road Hugger and Pathfinder. Discount Tire Direct also offers a variety of custom wheel brands including MB, Vision, American Outlaw, TSW and Black Rhino.

A DISCOUNT TIRE retail store will be coming to a neighborhood near you soon with personalized service and low prices. In the meantime, visit Discount Tire Direct for all your winter tire and wheel needs, or check DiscountTire.com for additional seasonal tire and driving safety tips.