Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Check tires when the mercury drops
When it comes to safe winter driving, tires are where the rubber meets the road. Tires lose pressure in cold weather, so check them often. Treat them well and they’ll reward you with peace of mind and better performance.
Under-inflation - a common danger
Tires lose an average of one pound pressure for each five degree Celsius drop in temperature. Being under-inflated by as little as four pounds is enough to affect a tire’s performance. An improperly inflated tire is also much more likely to have a blowout.
Your pressure gauge is a lifesaver
You can’t tell a tire is under-inflated by just looking. You should use a good quality pressure gauge at least twice a month or before a long trip.
Check pressure when the tires are cool, before driving. Driving even one kilometre will cause your tire pressure to increase, giving you an inaccurate reading.
Fill tires to the recommended air pressure – usually printed in the vehicle owner’s manual.
Time to re-tire?
Don’t try to save money by driving on old, damaged tires. Tires with deep cuts, cracks, blisters or bulges are dangerous and should be replaced.
Watch for wear
The small raised bars that run across the grooves of the tire are tread wear indicators. Check them often. If the wear is uneven, it could be a sign of improper wheel alignment or tire imbalance.
Don't mix and match tires
Your tires should be of the same construction and size. Your owner’s manual will tell you what kind is best for your vehicle.
For more information, watch The 60-Second Driver on CTV or visit the following sections on our website:
- Tire Inflation in Driving Tips
- Blow-outs in Driving Tips
- You can access the 60-Second Driver video on Tire Inflation directly
