Right tools for the job
W
hen the going gets rough, it's important to make sure your car is well equipped for the conditions you're driving in. As temperatures drop, so
can your tire pressure, decreasing about one psi for every 10-degree drop in temperature. If your car was built after 2000, you likely have a Tire
Pressure Monitor System that will alert you when pressure drops below the manufacturer's recommended levels for your vehicle. It's also
important to be able to identify the TPMS symbol, as the Hankook Gauge Index found that 1 in 3 (35 percent) Americans do not know what the
warning symbol means.
With 13 percent of drivers unsure of what category tire is on their car, understanding the difference in how a snow tire performs in relation to its
summer and all-season relatives can go a long way in terms of safety and performance. For enhanced traction in low-grip situations, tire chains
can be very useful, but as indicated in the Gauge Index, 65 percent of drivers are unsure how to install them. Be sure to practice once or twice at
home before venturing out on wintry roads. And when you have chains on your tires, drive slowly - generally no more than 30 mph.
Always carry a spare ... pair of socks!
P acking emergency clothes in your trunk is always a great idea should you nd yourself stranded and in need of extra warmth. Interestingly,
your socks may be your most versatile piece of clothing, and drivers can benet from carrying an extra pair in the glove compartment. When
expecting snow, simply lift your windshield wipers off the glass and place a sock over each blade to help keep snow off the blades and ice from
forming. Additionally, when socks are put over your shoes (yes, that's right) they can provide an added level of traction when walking on ice.
Hopefully, some of these tricks can help if you nd yourself locked in a battle with the elements this season. Have a favorite winter hack we
missed? Let us know at Hankook USA on Facebook or Twitter with the #WinterHack tag!
Glamaour Era