Keeping Your Car in Shape this Fall

When fall swings around in many parts of the country, it cools off and gets wet all at once, which can be a hazard to you on the road. With winter ahead and massively fluctuating temperatures in between, now is the time to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive and capable of handling anything that nature throws at it. At Tires By Web, we're well aware of all the seasonal challenges our customers face. Here are some of our tips for keeping your car in shape this fall:

Check Your Tire Pressure

Incorrect pressure in a single tire can put undue strain on all of your tires and cause you a blowout on the road. Best case scenario: you have a spare and know how to change tires, the weather's good so you aren't braving the elements, and your only worries are the time and effort that the work takes; worst case scenario: you lose control and hit someone when your tire blows. For most people, a lengthy wait for AAA is probably the likeliest scenario. None of these things is particularly appealing, either from a scheduling or financial standpoint. Checking your pressure and ensuring that all tires are properly and evenly filled can prevent every one of these situations.

Measure Your Tread Depth      

If your tires are too worn down, they lose almost all traction and are more likely to hydroplane over water and snow, which could be incredibly dangerous. One of the easiest ways to tell if your tires are getting worn is to measure your tread depth. The nice thing about this is that it can be easily done at home using a penny. Simply take the penny and place it in the treads with Lincoln's head facing down. If Lincoln's head is completely visible, it means that there is 2/32" or less of depth left, and you definitely need to replace your tires. A similar test can be performed with a quarter to determine whether your treads are at or below 4/32". At this level, you may want to replace tires if you deal with a lot of wet or snowy weather. Remember to test different parts of the tire, as well, as it can wear more in some areas than others.

Decide Whether You Need Special Tires

When replacing your tires, you should consider whether to purchase specialty ones while you are at it. For instance, if you drive a lot of rugged roads and your previous tires weren't really up to the task, you might want to invest in something like Wild Country Sport tires. Or if you deal with a lot of snowy conditions in winter, getting special studded snow tires might be a smart option. Make a decision based on your normal driving habits and environments.

Examine Your Wipers

Fall and winter mean a lot of rain, falling leaves, and snow; if you can't clear them from your windshield, driving will be not only dangerous, but practically impossible. That's why now is a great time to check your wipers for flaws and change them out for new ones, if necessary. Look for cracks in the rubber or uneven windshield clearing, and replace the wipers if you notice these things.

Run Your Heater

Your heater may not seem that important while the temperatures are still warm during the day, but once it starts getting into the 40s – with nighttime temperatures in the 20s and 30s – your heater can literally be a lifesaver. The last thing you need is for it to fail while you are in the middle of a snowstorm, so it's smart to check the heater now, before it's actually put to the test. Run the heater to make sure that it's still working properly, and if you notice that it isn't getting that warm, take it to a mechanic.

Have Your Brakes Assessed

Getting new tires is only half the battle against skids this fall; your brakes have to be working in the first place. If they fail while you are on the road, no matter the weather, it could be disastrous for your car, your health, and your insurance rates. Bring your car to your shop and have them test and tighten your brakes as needed.

Test Your Battery

Fall and winter weather are well-known threats to your car's battery. All of the damp can corrode the material of the housing, lead to a failure, and leave you stranded. Take a look at your battery, and bring it to the shop if you notice any visible deterioration. Also, can you remember the last time that the battery was replaced? If it was only a year ago, you're probably fine; if the battery is four years old or older, you should have it checked out.

These are just some of the main ways that you can ensure smooth and safe driving this fall and winter. If you need new tires to help with this, check out our inventory at Tires By Web. Not sure which tires to get? Call us today at 1-800-576-1009 to discuss your needs!