It’s that time of year again. The ski areas are starting to make snow, the 14ers are turning white again and we couldn’t hold off any longer and had to turn on our furnace.
If you have been keeping up with the scheduled maintenance for your vehicle, it’s ready for winter, but if not, here are a few things you can do to cover the basics.
- Lights - check headlights, taillights, turn signals and brake lights.
- Wipers and washers - fill the washer bottle and run the washers. Do the wiper blades leave any streaks? If so it’s time to replace them. The best blades for winter are ones without open frames.
- Tires: Colorado has a traction law that requires tires are adequate. When the traction law is in effect, passenger vehicles need to meet at least one of the following conditions.
- Snow tires with a minimum of 1/8” of tread
- All season tires (Marked M&S) with a minimum 1/8” of tread
- 4 or all wheel drive with tires having a minimum 1/8” of tread
- Traction devices like chains or auto sock on 2 drive wheels
The fine for driving with inadequate tires when the traction law is in effect is $133.00. The fine for spinning out and blocking traffic because of inadequate tires is $657.00.
You can determine if your tires have more than 1/8” of tread by inserting a quarter into the tread. Insert the quarter with George Washington’s head down. If all of his head is visible, the tread is less than 1/8”. If some of his head is covered by the tread, the tread is greater than 1/8”.
All of George’s head is visible. This tire is worn out.
Part of George’s head is covered. This tire has more than 1/8” tread.
In addition we will check your antifreeze at no charge while you wait. We want you to be confident that your car is ready for winter driving. Contact us and stop by today! need a refresher on winter driving tips? Check out this article.
