Your Wheel Alignment is Out to Lunch
Your wheel alignment is extremely important, but more so in winter months. When your alignment is fine and dandy, your car drives straight and steering is effortless. When the alignment is out of spec – especially the toe angle – the steering can pull to one side. No one needs the extra stress of trying to keep their car on the icy road any more than they have to. Not only is steering more difficult, but icy patches will act differently than dry patches, resulting in an uneven and harrowing steering feel. Also, stability control systems often use a steering angle sensor on the steering column to determine if the direction of your steering wheel matches the direction your vehicle is actually travelling. If the steering wheel is off center, your stability system may not operate properly or may be useless until the steering is corrected. Having an annual wheel alignment performed before winter is an excellent idea to ensure safe driving.
Your Tires are Worn Out
Though it may be the most obvious concern listed, so many motorists drive in the winter with worn out tire tread. A tire is considered worn out when there is 2/32nds of an inch of tread remaining. A simple test is to put a penny in the tread of your tire with Lincoln’s head pointed down. If the top of his head is even with the tread, you need to replace your tires right away. Worn tires can cause you to slide when braking, spin your tires when accelerating, and lose traction when cornering. Braking distances are extended significantly, increasing your chances of getting into a collision. Don’t just think of the implications it has for you; consider pedestrians and other motorists. If you can’t control your braking well, you can cause someone else harm or serious injury. Have your worn out tires replaced.
Everything listed here should be addressed in a pre-winter inspection. Don’t take unnecessary chances when driving in the winter. Your car’s condition, your safety, and the safety of the people around you is at risk.
