Winter Tire Tips

Driving in a Florida winter is definitely different than driving in a northern winter. Here is Florida you won’t need all of the tire accessories you would need up north for snow. But we do get plenty of rain and the occasional freeze, so it’s important to treat your tires with different care in the winter season. Especially if your tires are not all season tires.

The first thing you should check on when the seasons are changing is the tread on your tires, and we have an easy at home trick for you to check your tire tread. Grab a penny and head out to your car. Place the penny with Abraham Lincoln upside down in between the tread ribs. If the top of his head disappears in the tread, your tires are still good. If you can see his whole head, it’s time to replace them.

When driving in the cold months, during a storm, or right after one, try to avoid sudden movements of your car. Accelerations and turns should be taken gradually and smoothly. This will help maintain traction on your tires and avoid spinning out of control. If you do lose control, most cars will kick in the anti-lock braking system (ABS), and all you need to do is steadily apply pressure to the breaks. If your car has ABS, do not pump your brakes.

If you’re unsure of your car and tire’s health and readiness for the winter months, come by Carryl Tire! We’d be happy to take a look.