The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Canadian winters demand optimum performance from drivers and their vehicles. CAA reminds motorists that proper tire care is a critical part of vehicle maintenance, helping you to get to where you want to go, and to stop when you need to. "Tires are something many people take for granted," says Jeanie Dalman, CAA Manitoba public relations coordinator. "But they are as important to winter survival as heeding weather warnings, knowing winter driving hazards, and keeping control of your vehicle." Properly maintained tires improve the steering, stopping, traction, and load-carrying capability of vehicles. They last longer, improve safety and enhance fuel economy. Tires naturally lose air over time and they can lose air suddenly if you drive over a pothole, strike an object, or hit the curb when you park. In colder weather the air inside a tire contracts and pressure drops. So, it's important to check your vehicle's tire pressure at least once a month (or more often in cold temperatures). The tread of your tires is also important. It provides the gripping action and traction that prevent your vehicle from slipping and sliding, especially on wet or icy roads. Tires have built-in indicators that will tell you when it is time to replace them. "Drivers should take a few minutes each month to visually inspect their tires for uneven tread wear, embedded objects, and cuts or abrasions, particularly in the sidewall area." suggests Dalman. "Drivers should ask their tire dealer to regularly rotate their tires and to check their vehicle's alignment." See 'Tires' P.# Con't from P.# The Rubber Association of Canada suggests that when buying winter tires, drivers should look at the sidewall for a pictograph of a peaked mountain with a snowflake. This symbol indicates that the tire meets specific snow traction performance requirements and has been specifically designed for use in severe snow conditions. Installing four identical snow tires will help maintain control and stability of your vehicle in slippery conditions. CAA Manitoba is an affiliate of the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), with 4 million members coast to coast in a federation of all Canadian provincial and regional not-for-profit clubs. CAA Manitoba serves over 160,000 members in Manitoba.
