One of the biggest headaches of car ownership outside of routine maintenance, is prepping your car to handle winter weather. If you live in or are traveling to an area of the country that experiences a lot of harsh winter weather, taking precautions before the cold sets in is necessary.

Winterizing your vehicle can take just a couple of hours, though it's always a good idea for your vehicle to go in for a routine service check before winter rolls around. One of the best things you can do concerning your vehicle before winter sets in, is to make sure your tires are safe. Here are a few basic tips that will help keep you safe and will keep your vehicle running smoothly during the winter months.

Check your tires.

Checking your tire pressure and your tread depth is important to do on a regular basis, but even more so during the winter, when there is a constant threat of rain, ice, sleet or snow. 

Checking tire pressure-

Vehicles made after 2007 have a working tire pressure monitoring system. This will let you know when pressure is low in any of your vehicle's tires. If you have an older vehicle, you can purchase a tire pressure gauge, and check it manually. Tire pressure should be checked weekly during winter months. 

Checking tire tread-

No one wants to have to purchase a new set of tires, but if your tires are nearing becoming bald, it would be wise to invest in a new set. During the winter months, tires need more tread depth, because snow and ice become impacted in the actual tread after driving through it. Use the simple penny test to check your tire tread: into several tread grooves across the tire. If part of Lincoln's head is always covered by the tread, you have more than 2/32" of tread depth remaining.

Consider purchasing winter tires.

If you live in an area that sees a lot of snow and winter weather for several months, you may want to consider investing in winter tires. No one wants to wind up stuck in the snow, spinning tires. winter tires are designed to excel in the colder temperatures, slush, snow and ice that many parts of the country experience for three or more months a year. All season tires may seem like they're good enough, but after a few years of general wear and tear from every day driving, they can become worn. Who wants to take the risk of getting stuck or worse? Winter tires can be used for the duration of the winter, and changed once the threat of snow has passed for the season.

Following these easy steps will help ensure the safety of not only your vehicle, but you and your passengers during the harsh winter weather.

Source: Arrigo of Palm Beach.