Do You Need Winter Tires?

You've probably heard people talk about “winter” or “snow” tires.  For many of us that travel on major roads and don't live in a place that has harsh winters, the “all season” tires will be just fine.

“Winter” or “snow” tires come are made with a different kind of tread.  They have these special raised areas on the tires that will do a better job of digging into the snow or ice, and are particularly useful if you find yourself on back roads that are not plowed, or substantial inclines.  More often than not, winter tires and chains are recommended in places like Colorado or areas with mountainous terrain.  If you live someplace with a relatively mild winter mild winter, snow tires might be overkill.

That being said, now would be a good time to make sure that the tires you do have are ready for the upcoming change in weather.  Long hot summers can be taxing on tires.  The heat starts to break down the rubber, and if you parked in direct sunlight, don't be surprised if your tires are showing some cracks.

The change in temperature will also cause your tires to expand and contract.  This kind of thing will actually change the air pressure in your tires, and cause stresses on them, too.  Don't be surprised if you get up in the morning and your tires have a little less air than they did when you went to sleep. 

With all the advances made in engines and internal technology, everything still comes back to those round rubber things.  They are the thing that keeps you safely on the road, and makes sure you stop in plenty of time.  Check them now, before the winter weather starts to fly.

Easiest Way to Kill a Car? Forget Your Oil Change

It’s true that the old “every 3000 mile” rule has changed over the years.  Depending on the car, and depending on the type of oil, the frequency with which you change your oil may not be “3000 miles,” but ya gotta do it.  

 

It’s just oil… as long as it’s slippery – what’s the big deal?  The big deal is that as you turn your car on and off, that oil is not only trying to lubricate everything, but also clean the system as well.  Many new oils contain detergents that keep sludge from building up, and it’s the sludge that can cause big problems. 

Also, consider your commute.  If you’re one of those people that starts the car, drives 5 or 6 minutes, and you’re at your destination… you may need oil changes more frequently than that nice round number.  If your engine doesn’t fully heat up, your oil isn’t going to make it all the way through the places it needs to go.

Most importantly, if you goof this one up… that big fancy warranty probably isn’t going to cover it.  Proper, routine oil changes are your responsibility, and missing one could void the whole warranty.

Doesn’t take long… and it will save your engine

Stop Winter Stopping Problems

OK, so the seasons are going to change.  We can’t stop that.  However, it’s not a bad idea to do something about your brakes so you can’t count on stopping during winter.  

Before we even talk about the brakes themselves, let’s make sure the brake fluid is at the proper levels.  Your brake fluid is the stuff that is actually moving the pistons around to apply pressure and make your brakes work.  Fluids will move slowly in the winter, and if the levels are off, that can add up to a number of problems.  The brakes themselves may be fine, but if the brake fluid is leaking, low, or just not there… you will definitely have some challenges. 

Another consideration are the shoes.  No… not the brake shoes, but your shoes.  Believe it or not, many accidents occur each year because people have on wet, slippery shoes.  Their feet slide off the edge, and there just isn’t time to recover.  So… dry your shoes. 

And, of course, know what type of brakes you have.  If they are standard brakes, you’ll need to pump them slightly on slippery roads.  If you have an anti-lock brakes (ABS), the brakes will do the pumping for you.  Just apply as normal, and always keep eye contact with the road. 

Yes, your brakes are important… but the other things around the brakes are just as vital.  Stay safe!