5 Winter Tire Tips

Do You Need Winter Tires?

 
Winter is here in New Hampshire and we all know what to expect - snow and slush, freezing rain, and maybe even black ice. Do you know if your tires are ready to withstand all of that?
 
When driving in New Hampshire in the wintertime, your tires just might be the most important safety feature on your car. The right ones can get you to your destination safely, whereas the wrong ones could be responsible for an accident or leave you stuck in an otherwise unfavorable situation.

So how do you determine what’s best for your vehicle? Here are five things to keep in mind about winter tires:

1.     Winter tires really are different than regular tires.
Winter tires have deeper tread, along with siping (slits in the tread blocks). This increases the number of edges that touch the road, resulting in better traction and handling. They also stay softer than other tires do in cold weather, thanks to special rubber compounds designed specifically for winter use, which help increase traction as well.

2.     If your area regularly drops below 45 degrees, you probably need winter tires.
Winter tires don’t just perform better in snow and ice – they are better for cold weather in general. So if you get some chilly days where you live like we do here in NH, consider a set – a full set. Installing just two winter tires can cause handling problems.

3.     There are two main categories.
Studless snow and ice tires are designed for extreme conditions. They are better in deep snow than performance winter tires, which are for light snow and ice. What about studded tires? Well, they give you great traction on ice but also damage roads. And some experts say chains do just as well.

4.     You still need to check the pressure — once a week.
If your tires are underinflated, they are at risk of failing. In winter, if they’re overinflated, your traction will be significantly reduced.

5.     You still need to check the tread, too.
An inexpensive tool found at auto parts stores can be used for this, or you can use a free tool you likely already have in your possession – a penny. Stick the coin into the groove of the tire, with Lincoln’s head down. Is some of his hair hidden? Good. Can you see all of Abe’s hair? It’s time for new tires.

 

 

At Hunkins & Eaton Insurance Agency in Littleton and Lisbon, NH we know that nobody wants to spend too much time thinking about tires, and the good news is that you don’t have to. Just a little bit of preparation, along with some routine maintenance, will keep you driving safely in New Hampshire all winter long.

 

For additional safety tips and useful resources, please read our other blog posts, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.         

 

Image credit: Safeco Insurance 

 

 

Winter Storms Ahead: Are You Ready?

We admit it: as insurance agents, our picture of winter isn’t exactly cozy. Winter storms mean traffic snarls, hillsides turning to sheets of ice, and cars sliding around like hockey pucks. Cold temperatures can cause pipes to burst, frost swells and many other types of damage. In addition, heating your home with fireplaces and decorating with holiday lighting can increase the risk of fire.

Winter Safety Precautions

To help reduce weather-related hassles this winter, keep the following safety tips in mind:

·       Winter-proof your car with good snow tires or chains, new wiper blades, antifreeze, and emergency road supplies.

·       Keep your attic cool to help prevent ice dams. Insulate the attic floor and make sure it is well-ventilated.

·       Never overload circuits with holiday decorations.

What to Do When a Winter Storm Hits

·       If you do not have to drive, stay put. If you must drive, make sure you’ve winterized your car and have a full tank of gas.

·       When the air is cold, keep bath and kitchen cabinet doors open so warm air can circulate around pipes. If pipes do freeze, let them thaw normally, as they’ll be less likely to burst.

 

·       If the power goes out, make sure to never leave candles or fires burning unattended. If you use a portable generator, follow the instructions in the user manual and do not use it indoors.

Know What Your Insurance Covers

At Hunkins & Eaton Insurance Agency in Littleton and Lisbon, NH, we want to help you rest easy, and you will be more relaxed knowing that you have protection in the event that a winter storm damages your property. Remember that your insurance policy will cover repair or rebuilding costs, but your deductible will apply. Check your policy to confirm what specifically is covered as well as the deductible you have chosen.

For additional information about winter storm protection and to review your coverage, give us a call at 800-427-3975. For additional safety tips and useful resources, please read our other blog posts, and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.