We have not yet started with the harsh winter but the first frosts, snowfalls and rains have already begun to be installed in our country. Some atmospheric conditions force us to take precautions at the wheel. Precaution that begins with the assembly of good winter tires, a trend that is more widespread among drivers and that requires proper maintenance and care to avoid any slippage at the wheel.

Here is a series of tips to improve the care of your winter tires and that you go out on the road these winter months in the best conditions and prepared to face any challenge that the road poses.

Mount them ‘in the direction’

After a period of use, the winter tires suffer a type of wear that makes them more effective if, when reassembling them, we do it in the same direction in which they rolled. When we remove the tires at the end of the winter period, we must mark them in some way so that when they are assembled again they are placed in the correct direction.

Mount complete sets

When we assemble some winter tires we will do it together in sets of 4 winter tires and rims. Never combine with normal road tires. Winter tires with studs must also be assembled in complete sets. Mixing these types of tires with others can cause uneven braking and poor steering response.

Check the pressure

The pressure has to be checked more frequently in the case of winter tires because in winter the temperatures drop and tend to deflate the tires more easily. That is why it is advisable to inflate the tires with a pressure point higher than that recommended by the manufacturer, but without going over that we would shorten the useful life of the tire.

Drive smoothly

Everyone is aware that it is never advisable to make sudden accelerations, steering or braking, but this has more reason to be in the case of winter tires and when we face asphalt conditioned by cold, rain or snow. Avoiding this will not only help us drive safer but also protect the tread, which is decisive in minimizing the loss of traction on water, ice or snow.

Respect the recommended speed

It is not necessary to be winter to follow the recommended speed, but in the case of tires that include winter compounds it is essential not to exceed the speed indicated by the manufacturer as we can multiply the risks with respect to conventional tires.

Control the depth of the drawing

Another aspect that you have to always check on a tire is its depth. In the case of winter tires this also comes with nuances, because if the usual is that the tread depth of the tire band is greater than 1.6 millimeters to ensure adherence, in winter it should be increased to 3 millimeters to improve the grip and that the braking distance does not play a trick on us.

Exploit its durability

More than an advice, it is evidence. Many drivers refuse the assembly of winter tires because they presuppose a higher cost. Nothing is further from reality, because winter tires have a greater durability than the common tire. Also the fact of alternating winter tires with summer ones, will cause the useful life of the latter to lengthen to double.

Store them properly

When winter tires are not used, it is preferable to keep them mounted on tires and inflated, and check their pressure monthly even if we are not using them. If they are stored without rims, they should be stacked on their flanks, in stacks of four or less, in such a way that the weight does not deform them.

Take them out of danger

It is important when storing winter tires to check that it is done in the best conditions and in well-ventilated, dry environments and away from direct sunlight and the weather. It is also convenient to distance them from possible risks such as chemical substances, solvents, hydrocarbons, metals or pointed woods and ozone sources such as transformers, electric motors or welding equipment.