Winter and wet are coming. It’s our busiest season at the collision repair shop. Often, that’s due to a combination of winter, wet, and worn tires…your connection to the road. While we love having customers (we are only here because of you), we also care enough to help you avoid seeing us if possible. So let’s talk tires for a moment. Here are a few “tire tips” to help keep you and your vehicle safe on the upcoming winter roads.

As your tires are your connection to the road, that relationship is only as good as their grip on the pavement. Even tires only worn to halfway can lose their grip, as the grooves are smaller and can’t channel water as effectively from beneath. Hydroplaning results, where the tires actually ride on the water’s surface, and the car no longer responds to your attempts at steering. If your tires hydroplane, one thing you can do is back off the gas pedal to regain control. Unlike the poor folks in this video, you may have a choice (though it looks like tire wear has no bearing on any of it).

Check your tread. The tried and true method of using a penny still works. Drop Abe’s head into each groove. If you can see over the top of his head, it’s time to replace the tire. Living in Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky where rain and snow is a given, you may want to replace worn tires sooner. If you experience less grip or excessive hydroplaning, definitely consider it. 

Slow down and anticipate longer stopping distance in wet weather. Slowing down can help your vehicle maintain necessary added room before the car in front of you. A good standard is a two-to-three-second lag time of two to three seconds counting from a fixed object passed the the vehicle ahead of you, until you reach it, but in wet weather, you might need to double that distance.

Whether you’re in Blue Ash, Covington, Madison Place, or Oakley, we’re ready to serve you! If you have any questions about auto body repair or if there’s anything we can do for you or your car, give Nate or Jason a call at Center City Collision at 513-631-2406, or email us at cccollision@gmail.com.