Few things about driving are more frightening than losing traction — and losing control of your car — during the winter time. The type of tires that hold your car to the ground can significantly impact your car’s handling characteristics.  That’s why you should always use tires appropriate to the conditions of the road.  That means putting on a set of winter tires when there is snow on the ground.  Read this article from CNN to learn more.

Why to buy snow tires

Have you observed any of these signs of trouble when inspecting your tires?

• Cracking or cuts in the sidewalls.
• Uneven tread wear. This can be caused by improper inflation, misaligned wheels, damaged tires, or by problems with suspension parts.
• Excessively worn tread. Most modern tires have tread-wear indicator bars running across the tread, which signal the minimum allowable tread depth of 1/16-inch. When the tread wears down to these bars, it’s time for new tires. Inexpensive tread-wear gauges are available at auto-parts and tire stores.
• Bulges or blisters. If you see a bulge or blister on the sidewall, replace the tire at once. These signal potential weak spots that could lead to tire failure.
• Excessive vibration. Tire vibration may be a sign a wheel is misaligned, unbalanced, or bent. It could also signify internal tire damage. Don’t ignore vibration: Have the vehicle serviced at once.

If yes, then according to Consumer Reports, your tires are exhibiting early warning signs of tire failure.  Stop by Frank’s Tire for a new set of tires to keep yourself and your family safe!

A Purdue University professor says he has developed a “smart” tire that can sense damage when it loses air pressure. “Some tire damage is not easily detected,” says Gary Krutz, director of Purdue’s Electrohydraulic Center. Krutz’s system uses sensors that let drivers know “when a tire condition has degraded,” according to Purdue officials. “The sensors also can notify drivers of low air pressure or unbalanced air pressure between tires.

Purdue University develops ‘smart’ tire