Winter brings a dramatic shift in driving conditions. Crisp mornings turn into icy roads, and sunny afternoons can be shrouded in sudden snowstorms. As the temperature dips, so does your tyre's ability to grip the road. To navigate these challenges safely, it's crucial to be prepared with the right winter tyres. But where do you begin? Don't worry, Evertyres has you covered! This ultimate winter tyre checklist will ensure you're ready to conquer the season with confidence.
Step 1: Assess Your Winter Needs
Before diving into specific tyre details, consider your typical winter driving scenario. Do you face heavy snowfall and treacherous mountain roads? Or are you dealing with occasional icy patches on your daily commute? Answering these questions will help you choose the most suitable winter tyre type:
Studded Tyres: For extreme winter conditions with frequent ice and packed snow, studded tyres provide superior traction. Metal studs bite into the ice, offering exceptional grip but can be noisy on bare pavement and may not be legal in all regions.
Studless Winter Tyres: These tyres utilize a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in cold temperatures, along with a deeper tread pattern for superior grip on snow and slush. They offer a quieter ride compared to studded tyres and are a good choice for moderate to severe winter conditions.
Step 2: Check Your Current Tyres
Once you've identified your winter needs, take a closer look at your current set of tyres. Here's what to inspect:
Tread Depth: Winter tyres require a deeper tread depth for optimal snow and ice performance. The legal minimum tread depth in Australia is 1.5mm. However, for safe winter driving, Evertyres recommends replacing your tyres when the tread depth reaches 4mm or less.
Tyre Age: Even with sufficient tread depth, older tyres can lose their winter performance capabilities over time. The rubber compound hardens with age, reducing grip. Generally, tyres exceeding six years old should be considered for replacement, regardless of tread depth.
Tyre Wear: Uneven wear patterns can indicate alignment or balancing issues that can be detrimental to winter tyre performance. A visual inspection by a tyre professional is recommended.
Step3: Select the Right Winter Tyre Size
Winter tyres should ideally be the same size as your original equipment tyres. Refer to your owner's manual or check the tyre placard on the driver's door jamb for the recommended size. Abweichung (deviation) from the recommended size can affect handling, speedometer accuracy, and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) performance.
Step 4: Consider Winter Tyre Storage
If you switch between winter and summer tyres, proper storage is essential to maintain their lifespan. Here are some storage tips:
Clean the tyres: Remove any dirt, debris, or road salt before storing.
Inflate the tyres: Overinflate by 10 psi to prevent flat spots during storage.
Store in a cool, dry place: Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Ideally, store them upright on a rack or stacked flat.
Consider professional storage: Tyre shops often offer storage services for your off-season tyres.
Step 5: Schedule a Pre-Winter Tyre Installation
Don't wait for the first snowfall to get your winter tyres installed. Ideally, aim to have them mounted by mid-autumn. This ensures you're prepared for unexpected icy conditions and avoids the last-minute rush experienced by many drivers.
Bonus Tip: Winter Tyre Maintenance
Once your winter tyres are on, remember to maintain them properly:
Regular Pressure Checks: Cold weather can cause tyre pressure to drop. Check your tyre pressure at least once a month and before long trips.
Tread Depth Monitoring: Keep an eye on your tread depth throughout the winter season.
Visual Inspection: Look for any cuts, cracks, or bulges that may require tyre replacement.
By following this ultimate winter tyre checklist, you can ensure your car is equipped to handle the challenges of the season. Remember, winter tyres are an investment in your safety and peace of mind. Visit Evertyres today to browse our wide selection of winter tyres and find the perfect fit for your car and winter driving needs. Our experienced staff can answer any questions you may have and help you make an informed decision. Stay safe on the road this winter!