Tire Education – Tire Safety Checklist

Gear Up for Winter: Your Essential Tire Safety Checklist

With the first frost approaching, it’s the perfect time to prepare your vehicle for the change of seasons. Just a few minutes of routine tire maintenance will dramatically improve your road grip, extend tire life, and save fuel.

At-Home Tire Safety Checks

• Verify Tire Age: Locate the four-digit DOT code on the sidewall—the last two digits indicate the manufacturing year. Rubber degrades over time, so replace tires every 10 years regardless of remaining tread.
• Check Tread Depth: Worn or “bald” tires are a major hazard in winter slush and rain. Without deep enough grooves to channel water away, your vehicle is at a high risk of hydroplaning—where the tires ride on top of the water and lose all contact with the road, causing you to slide out of control. Use a tread depth gauge or the classic “penny test” to ensure you have safe tread levels before the weather turns.
• Monitor Pressure Monthly: Tires naturally lose about 1 psi per month, and cold weather accelerates pressure drops. Check all four tires and your spare regularly.
• Measure Cold: For the most accurate reading, check tire pressure before driving or after traveling less than three miles at low speeds. If the tires are hot from a long drive, either add 4–5 psi to your target number or wait three hours for them to cool.
• Adjust to the Right Specs: Find your vehicle’s recommended psi on the sticker inside the driver’s door, the gas tank door, or the owner’s manual—never use the maximum pressure molded onto the tire sidewall. Use a reliable gauge to check the current psi and add or release air to match the recommendation.

Consider Snow Tires for Heavy Weather

For Iowan winters, dedicated snow tires are a worthwhile investment. Mounting them on a second set of wheels makes the seasonal swap (typically December through April) fast and easy. This preserves your all-season tires while maximizing your control in harsh conditions.