WINTER DRIVING SAFETY TIPS
Slow, careful and consistent driving is key during winter. Here are some more tips:
#1. Brake and accelerate slowly
Steady driving allows for more response time, giving you more control.
#2. Keep a wider distance between vehicles and obstacles
Give yourself more time and space to maneuver or brake safely.
#3. Avoid stopping on hills and use steady acceleration
Starting from a full stop in winter weather is difficult on a flat surface, but on a hill it is seriously challenging. Use slow, steady acceleration when going up.
#4. Use low gear and brake sparingly downhill
Control your speed with a low gear and avoid using the brakes unless necessary. Use smooth, gradual movements at low speeds.
#5. Stay home if possible
It’s best to stay home and avoid being on dangerous roads if at all possible. Try to avoid driving until conditions improve.
Winter Tires
If you live in a region with temperatures consistently at or below 45F, we highly recommend you install winter tires.
Even if your region doesn’t experience rain, snow, ice, or sleet but does get cold, winter tires will offer you performance, braking, and traction no other tire can offer, including your all-season tires.
Winter tires are better in winter conditions (which don’t need to include snow) because they:
Are constructed from a specially formulated tread compound to stay flexible at low temperatures (so they maintain traction)
Use tread integrated hard particles (“bite particles”) that act like mini snow studs, boosting grip
Come with specialized tread patterns for dry, wet, snow, and icy conditions
Really keep things chill this winter with a custom winter tire and wheel package. These packages have amazing benefits, including:
Protecting your regular rims and tires from harsh driving conditions
Save on winter tire changeover costs
Reduce wear on both sets of tires (winter and summer or all-season)
Winter Tire Tread Depth
Tread depth is another critical element of winter safety.
Regularly check your winter tires to ensure they have adequate tread. Without enough tread left on your tires, they cannot properly evacuate water, snow, and slush. Deeper tread also helps pack snow into grooves for snow-on-snow grip.
Winter tires begin to noticeably lose traction quicker than summer and all-season tires due to their softer rubber compound. They lose traction at or around 6/32’’ of tread depth.
Discount Tire also offers free tire inspections! We can check your tread depth for you.
Air pressure in tires for winter
Tire air pressure plays a vital role in tire safety.
Your tire’s air pressure is directly affected by temperature, with cool air deflating your tire’s pressure. The correct air pressure is important in making sure your tire can perform at its best, especially when the roads are at their worst.
Discount Tire also offers free air checks!
Winter Tire Age
No matter what season it is, we always recommend checking your tire’s age.
As tires age, their structural integrity can become compromised, making it difficult for them to perform well in harsh winter conditions.
For your safety, we recommend replacing your tires at six years of age regardless of tread depth. At ten years, your tires are considered non-serviceable.
Spare tires in winter
Don’t forget about your spare tire this winter! Flats and other accidents can happen in winter too.
Make sure to check your spare tire for:
Proper tire air pressure
Signs of wear or aging
Signs of damage or rust
PREPARING YOUR VEHICLE FOR WINTER
We highly recommend prepping your vehicle before winter strikes. This includes routine maintenance, equipping it with any relevant winter gear (such as winter tires or chains), and storing emergency supplies.
Before winter hits, vehicle maintenance you should check off your list include:
Fluids:
Check and top off all fluids, including brake, coolant/antifreeze, windshield wiper, and engine oil.
Make sure your wiper blades aren't worn. Discount Tire carries winter wiper blades that’ll keep your vision clear.
Tires (including spare tire):
Inspect your tires for wear and proper air pressure regularly.
Battery:
Make sure the battery is at a good charge and free of corrosion or other damage.
Brake System:
Ensure all parts, including pads and hoses, are in good working order.
It’s also a good idea to have an emergency and/or roadside kit ready to go.
A good roadside kit for winter:
First aid kit
Blanket
Non-perishable food and drink
Traction aids (sand or non-clumping cat litter)
Shovel
Snow brush (for windows)
Flashlight with spare batteries
Basic tools
Warning signs or devices (road flares or reflectors)
Personal power bank
A portable jump starter is also a nice-to-have item if you can grab one on sale.
Even with the best preparation, you can’t account for everything. If conditions are very harsh, the best move is to just stay home until things improve.
Have more questions? Check our Winter Tire FAQ page to see if we’ve answered them there!
You are always free to call or stop by your local Discount Tire store. We’ll get you taken care of. We can offer regional specific advice or tire recommendations. Buy and book online to save time in-store!