Winter in Northeast Ohio is no joke, and your tires are your first line of defense against icy roads and snowy conditions. Worn or damaged tires can significantly compromise your vehicle’s safety and performance, especially when driving in challenging winter weather.
At Rad Air Complete Car Care, with locations across Northeast Ohio in Akron, Downtown Cleveland, Fairlawn, Garfield Heights, Medina, Parma Heights, Seven Hills, Strongsville, Westlake, and Wickliffe, we specialize in keeping your tires in top shape. Here are five warning signs your tires need immediate attention to ensure safe and smooth driving this winter.
Tread depth is critical for maintaining traction on wet, icy, or snowy roads. Tires with insufficient tread are more likely to skid and lose grip in winter conditions. To check your tread, use the simple penny test: insert a penny into the tire tread with Lincoln’s head down.
If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too low, and it’s time to replace your tires. Tires with at least 6/32” of tread are recommended for safe winter driving. If your tires fail the test, visit your nearest Rad Air location to have them inspected and replaced if necessary.
Uneven tread wear is a sign that your tires aren’t making proper contact with the road. This could be caused by misaligned wheels, unbalanced tires, or inconsistent inflation levels. Driving with uneven tire wear can lead to reduced handling, increased stopping distances, and even a blowout.
Check your tires for bald spots or areas where the tread looks thinner. If you notice uneven wear, Rad Air’s tire services include rotation, alignment, and balancing to extend the life of your tires and ensure a safer ride.
Cold temperatures and rough winter roads can cause cracks or bulges in your tire’s sidewall. These are signs that the tire structure has been compromised and may be at risk of a blowout. Sidewall damage can also occur from hitting curbs, potholes, or road debris.
If you notice any visible damage to your tires, don’t wait—visit Rad Air immediately for a professional assessment and replacement if needed. Our expert technicians can quickly evaluate whether your tires are safe to drive on.
Tire pressure naturally decreases in cold weather, but consistently low pressure could indicate a slow leak, a puncture, or worn-out tires. Driving on underinflated tires increases rolling resistance, reduces fuel efficiency, and can lead to uneven wear. Make it a habit to check your tire pressure weekly during winter using a reliable gauge. Inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI, which is usually listed on a sticker in your driver-side doorframe. If your tires lose pressure quickly or struggle to maintain the correct PSI, Rad Air’s tire services can diagnose and fix the issue.
If you find yourself slipping, skidding, or struggling to stop on snowy or icy roads, it’s a clear sign your tires aren’t providing adequate traction. This can occur due to worn tread, improper inflation, or using tires that aren’t designed for winter conditions.
Winter tires or all-weather tires are specifically designed to handle cold temperatures and provide superior grip on slippery surfaces. If you’re experiencing traction issues, Rad Air can help you choose and install the right tires for Northeast Ohio’s winter driving challenges.
Safe winter driving starts with good traction, and your tires are key to keeping you and your passengers safe on the road. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to accidents, increased wear on other vehicle components, and expensive repairs.
With locations throughout Northeast Ohio, Rad Air makes it easy to address tire issues quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re in Akron, Downtown Cleveland, Fairlawn, Garfield Heights, Medina, Parma Heights, Seven Hills, Strongsville, Westlake, or Wickliffe, our expert technicians are ready to assist.
Rad Air offers a full range of tire services, including inspections, rotations, alignments, balancing, and replacements. To make your visit even better, check out our coupons for savings on tire-related services. Need to schedule a visit? Use our convenient online scheduling tool to book your appointment at a time that works for you.
Don’t let tire issues put you at risk this winter. Visit your local Rad Air Complete Car Care center for expert tire services, and drive confidently no matter the weather. Your safety is our priority, and we’re here to help keep you on the road all season long.