Tips for Taking Care of Winter Tires!
Winter tires are not made for year-round use. You can keep your winter tires on your vehicle until driving conditions have improved significantly and the temperature is consistently above 45°F. Also, if your winter tires have reached a remaining tread depth of approximately 4/32nds, you should consider replacing them before the next winter season. Make sure to schedule a tire service for assistance in replacing them (either summer or all-season tires).
If you are still facing some snowy and icy conditions, here are some basic facts about winter tires that you should keep in mind:
- The RMA (Rubber Manufacturers Association) recommends installing winter tires in sets of fours to optimize performance benefits, such as maintaining the stability and control of your vehicle in severe snow conditions. Please remember that if winter tires are installed on the front axles, they must also be installed on the rear axles.
- Traction control or four-wheel drive features can offer a false sense of security in winter conditions. Traction control/ABS brakes are designed for vehicle stability, power transmission and controlled braking. They do NOT optimize traction or grip during all types of winter driving maneuvers.
- The Severe Snow Conditions Symbol located on the sidewall of a tire indicates that it meets a snow traction standard recognized by the RMA. When shopping for winter tires, remember to look for the Severe Snow Conditions Symbol.
Once you have removed your winter tires, you'll have to store them until next winter. It is important to keep them in a cool, dry and preferably shaded or dark location (ideally in a basement or garage). Store tires raised off of the floor on a pallet or rack and sidewall to sidewall.
Remember: Before re-installing any tire, whether winter, summer or all-season, they should be inspected for damage and adequate tread depth. Take them in for a simple tire service to know whether or not they need to be replaced. It's better to be safe than sorry!
Looking for quality tire service? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 or go on-line at https://www.clausenautomotive.com for more information. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and surrounding communities.
Winter tires are not made for year-round use. You can keep your winter tires on your vehicle until driving conditions have improved significantly and the temperature is consistently above 45°F. Also, if your winter tires have reached a remaining tread depth of approximately 4/32nds, you should consider replacing them before the next winter season. Make sure to schedule a tire service for assistance in replacing them (either summer or all-season tires).
If you are still facing some snowy and icy conditions, here are some basic facts about winter tires that you should keep in mind:
- The RMA (Rubber Manufacturers Association) recommends installing winter tires in sets of fours to optimize performance benefits, such as maintaining the stability and control of your vehicle in severe snow conditions. Please remember that if winter tires are installed on the front axles, they must also be installed on the rear axles.
- Traction control or four-wheel drive features can offer a false sense of security in winter conditions. Traction control/ABS brakes are designed for vehicle stability, power transmission and controlled braking. They do NOT optimize traction or grip during all types of winter driving maneuvers.
- The Severe Snow Conditions Symbol located on the sidewall of a tire indicates that it meets a snow traction standard recognized by the RMA. When shopping for winter tires, remember to look for the Severe Snow Conditions Symbol.
Once you have removed your winter tires, you'll have to store them until next winter. It is important to keep them in a cool, dry and preferably shaded or dark location (ideally in a basement or garage). Store tires raised off of the floor on a pallet or rack and sidewall to sidewall.
Remember: Before re-installing any tire, whether winter, summer or all-season, they should be inspected for damage and adequate tread depth. Take them in for a simple tire service to know whether or not they need to be replaced. It's better to be safe than sorry!
Looking for quality tire service? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 or go on-line at https://www.clausenautomotive.com for more information. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and surrounding communities.
