The wintertime has many things to cheer about. It is time to enjoy the cooler weather and get cozy with your loved ones. However, there are some downsides to winter weather, especially in the world of driving. Did you know that, according to The Federal Highway Administration, based on the 10-year average from 2007 to 2016, there were 156,164 crashes annually due to icy roads? This number is alarming and growing at a rapid rate! We are here today to make sure you stay safe on the roads and be cautious when it comes to winter weather when it comes to your tires.
How Does Weather Affect Your Tires?
Living in the United States, it is safe to say that the weather differs depending on which part you reside on. You can live deep in the Midwest where you get covered with snow, or down south soaking up warm sun rays. Regardless, it is very important to become aware of how your tires get affected by temperature.
A previously stated, there is a wide variety of climates and weather conditions depending on where you live in the state. There can be more humidity in some sports, while others experience blistering cold days. All of these variations of weather have an effect on your tires. This is mostly due to temperature. Did you know that the change of temperature also changes the air pressure in your tires? This is because when the temperature outside changes, there is an equal changed dispersed in the pressure. It is important to keep your tires inflated based on what the manufacturer of the tire suggests. Usually, tires are made of synthetic and natural rubber compounds that have oils to give them elasticity.
Imagine if you are driving in the middle of summer in Arizona. The weather is about 112 degrees. The heat from the sun, plus the friction from the road you are driving on, reduce the amount of oil and elasticity that your tires have. The air pressure inside is also affected. This is what usually causes tires to split or crack and become brittle. Unfortunately, this is the cause of many accidents. The same can be said for winter weather.
When the weather is colder, the lower temperature will also lower the pressure in your tires. When there is a winter storm, the tires of your car will become under-inflated, which is equally just as dangerous. Whenever there is snow or cold fronts, the drastic drop in temperature can lead to a very dangerous road condition, and it is very unsafe. When you have under-inflated tires, your gas usage also increases. This causes more wear and tear on your wheels that can cause blowouts. That is the last thing you want to experience when you are driving on an icy road in the middle of winter.
Helpful Tips to Stay Safe on the Winter Roads
You probably think its common sense to stay aware and safe when driving in the winter; however, the fatalities during this time are incredibly high. Here are some quick and easy steps to follow to ensure that you stay safe on the road.
- Stay Slow
- There is no rush when it comes to driving on black ice. To save you some time, try planning ahead by leaving early so you won’t be rushing.
- Avoid Skidding
- A lot of drivers skid on ice when they are on winter roads. Learn how to handle your car so you won’t skid properly. Perhaps take a class in your area to help you avoid skidding while driving.
- Always Be Prepared
- During the wintertime, especially after a snowstorm, there are bound to be a lot of delays and road closures. Before you commute, that a look to see what closures you are bound to come across.
- Keep Your Patience
- If you have a lot of errands to run, try to see if there is a better time to get everything done. It is safe and smart to wait for road conditions to get better before you take your car out on the road.
- Stay Safe on the Shoulder
- If you are ever in the situation where you get pulled over, or your car is having issues, make sure you pull over in a safe place. Get as far away from traffic as possible this way, you keep yourself and others safe.
- Do Not Use Cruise Control
- Although cruise control is very convenient, it is not safe to use during harsh driving conditions. When driving in cruise control during the winter, it can cause your tires to spin too fast when the roads are slick. This decreases your control.
- Keep Your Distance
- The last thing you want to do is rear-end the driver in front of you. Make sure you are giving yourself enough space in front of you. There is a slight chance your brakes may delay, or you can slide a little bit. Keep in mind that you need at least three times more space when it comes to snowy roads. The number is even higher when the roads are ice. This number is increased to 10.
Stay Safe on the Roads!
No matter what part of the country you reside in, it is important to stay safe during the winter while driving. The last thing you want to do is be part of a statistic. You never know when you might end up driving through the snow, and your car suddenly loses control. It is also smart to make sure your wheels are in the best condition too! Be sure to take your vehicle to professional to check the condition and tire pressure, or check them yourselves. It is a good idea to stock up on wheel accessories to make your winter driving experience the safest. There are many accessories for your wheels that can help your journey, including https://shop.revologycars.com/collections/wheels-accessories. We are in the middle of the winter months, but it is not too late to practice winter driving safety.