Tires

Your car relies on its tires. Properly maintained tires can easily improve the steering, stopping, traction, and load-carrying capabilities of your vehicle. This means maintaining your tires on a number of different levels including:

• Proper tire pressure
• Observing tire load limits
• Avoiding any road hazards
• Inspecting your tires for any irregularities such as cuts, slashes, or any foreign object embedded in the tire

Tire safety also includes alignments, rotation and tread. A misalignment of the tires on your vehicle in either the front or back can quickly cause rapid or uneven tread wear on your tires. This can lead to "pulling" or vibrations. Rotating your tires can often solve the problem of uneven tread wear. It is also important to remember that tires should be replaced when the tread is worn down to 1/16th of an inch. This prevents skidding and hydroplaning.

For more information on tire maintenance visit NHTSA or the Rubber Manufacturers Association.

Road Conditions

Winter driving can also cause problems for drivers who are unaware how to deal with less than ideal weather conditions. Washington roads in the winter can vary from simply rain slicked to snowy or icy. Good traction is the key for all conditions. Other tips include:

• Keep your speed down.
• Don't be reluctant to use chains.
• Remember that falling snow can affect your visibility.
• Be aware of your surroundings and if you see flashing lights, be especially cautious.

For more information on Winter Driving in Washington including updated mountain pass conditions, visit WSDOT.