The winter weather is upon us and it’s time to begin thinking about maintaining traction on icy road surfaces. The U.S. Department of transportation has compiled the following list of tips for keeping your tires in good working condition.
Tire inspection – Examine your tires each day for the following:
- Irregular tread wear
- Cracking
- Bulges
- Inadequate tread depth
- Cuts
- Foreign objects
- Other damage
Inflation pressure – Improper inflation pressure affects tire wear and fuel efficiency
- Gauge tires when they are cold before each trip and adjust as necessary
Rims
- Use only approved tire and rim combinations of the appropriate width and diameter
- Mismatched components may explode leading to injury or death
Extreme loading
- Overloading or under inflation causes excessive heat build-up and internal structural damage that can lead to immediate or premature failure
Speed
- Tires have a speed rating and excessive speed will lead to damage and/or premature failure
In poor driving conditions even the most experienced commercial drivers encounter challenges in maintaining control. Vehicle and tire traction can be enhanced with several different types of equipment. Check out our guide with the pros and cons of each solution.
