OAK HILL, WV (WOAY) – The first snow of the season was a mixed bag: from icy roads to 22-mile-per-hour wind gusts and at times, single-digit readings, making it essential to prepare your vehicle for the elements.
C Adam Toney Tire Pros’ recommendations can keep it safe and in winter shape.
Start by inspecting your tires, even turning the wheel so you can see the entire thing, because sometimes the inside gets worn out and you don’t even know it. Air pressure is also important.
“Make sure you have a good battery. You can test your batteries; antifreeze levels you want to make sure are good — you don’t have any issue with that,” said Manager Noah Oliver.
“Wiper blades are also very important for visibility and make sure all your lights are working properly.”
Consider a road safety kit: including water, a blanket, and a small cone/triangle to alert traffic in case of an emergency. And does four-wheel drive vs. all-wheel drive make a difference?
“An indicator would come on your dash to let you know something’s wrong with your All Wheel Drive. Unless you have something like that, all-wheel drives are just as good as four-wheel drives,” Oliver said. “Make sure your Four Wheel Drive is actually working, and you feel it engaging. If you need it, turn on the applicator before you take off, and you should be in good shape.”
Ideally, winterize your vehicle and check your tires beforehand.
“With the first snow, everybody rushes in here and gets tires. So there’s a long wait, and it kind of throws a wrench in everybody’s day,” said Oliver, adding that keeping jumper cables, flashlights, first aid supplies, and safety gear in your vehicle will ensure you’re prepared for breakdowns in any weather, especially snow.
And pay attention to tire tread.
“Going into winter, 532 seconds, I’d recommend taking them off. Whereas state law is 232 seconds, and they consider the tire not any good,” Oliver said. “But for these types of conditions, you at least want five or better in my opinion.”
