Many people focus on making sure that their tires are ready to handle winter weather and winter road conditions. However, it is also very important to make sure that tires are ready for fall. Fall roads can actually be quite hazardous, especially if they are wet and covered with leaves. In addition, cold weather reduces air pressure in automobile tires. As we know in the Northeast, cold weather is not necessarily restricted to the months typically classified as winter. A cold fall day can bring snow, sleet, slush, or a combination of these, which can be very dangerous, especially for tires that are not equipped to handle that kind of weather. Just think back to October of 2006 – when Western New York had a major snow storm.
As temperatures drop, many drivers wrestle with a seasonal decision: snow tires or all-season tires? One website, www.CarJunky.com, featured an article titled Did You Mount Your Cold Weather Tires Yet? aimed at helping motorists make a decision once and for all on this issue. One sentence sums it up: “Well here is some news for you, winter tires are not only designed to work better in snow, slush and ice but also when it simply gets cold." The article went on to back the statement up with useful statistical information. “In a study done by the Quebec Ministry of Transport comparing all season vs. winter tires, results showed that you can get up to 25 percent better braking and 38 percent better collision avoidance by using a proper winter tire."
Tread depth is always a concern regarding road safety. As we've discussed before, a simple measurement is to stick a penny into your tire tread (face up). If you can see Lincoln's entire head, it's definitely time for new tires. If only one of your tires is bad, it's best to replace two at a time. For safer handling, dealers typically suggest placing these on the back axle.
Underinflated tires are a problem, as well. An article in the Seattle Times, titled Autumn's wet, slippery roads lead to more highway wrecks, addressed this issue, noting “underinflated tires, which may have been OK on dry roads, become a safety hazard in wet weather." Air pressure is a concern with underinflated tires. As the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) notes on their website, “Air pressure in a tire goes up (in warm weather) or down (in cold weather) 1-2 pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change." Thus, the fall season – with its dramatic changes in temperatures – can have noticeable impact on your tires.
This same Seattle Times article noted that fall brings “a marked increase in the number of vehicle accidents as roads that have been dry for weeks start to take on aspects of asphalt slip-n-slides." Wet road conditions contribute to the increased number of accidents, but leaves are part of the problem, as well. Although everyone enjoys looking at the brilliant colors of fall trees, those leaves become a nuisance when they hit the ground. A pile of leaves can conceal a pothole, bump, pile of debris, or slick spot in the road. Stay as safe as possible by making sure your tires are ready for fall road conditions.
A great way to combat against fluctuations in tire pressure is to use nitrogen instead of regular compressed air. It's safe; nitrogen is a non-flammable gas that makes up 78% of the air we breathe. Plus nitrogen gas has many advantages; it offers better fuel efficiency, cooler running temperatures, and a longer tread life. It's used to inflate airplane tires, NASCAR race cars and even the space shuttle. Dunn Tire offers nitrogen inflation to help you save money and make your drive better on the road. Nitrogen does not leak out of your tire as fast as standard compressed air. It is not subject to variations due to hot or cold weather. Stop by one of the convenient Dunn Tire locations and ask about using nitrogen inflation.