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(NewsUSA) - At the first sign of severe winter weather, crowds flock to the nearest grocery store to stock up on the essentials - water, bread, milk, toilet paper - but consumers may be forgetting a few important items. In snow or ice-covered conditions, several essentials fail to make the list, including a good set of winter tires.
If you live in an area where snow and ice are certainties of winter driving, replacing your all-season tires with a good set of winter tires, such as the Bridgestone Blizzak, will provide you with greater handling and control on slick and slushy roadways.
Unlike all-season tires, snow and ice tires have a tread compound that stays softer in cold weather and a unique tread design to provide enhanced traction and road-gripping capabilities. To achieve optimum performance, winter tires should be mounted all the way around the vehicle, not just on the drive axle.
Here is a winter driving checklist from Bridgestone Firestone:
* Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Letting air out to drive in snow can reduce the gripping action of tires because the tread will not meet the road surface as it was designed to do. Overinflation has the same effect.
* Check your windshield wiper blades to make sure they work properly. In some areas, snow blades are an effective alternative to conventional wiper blades.
* Have your mechanic test the antifreeze/coolant to provide the correct level of protection.
* Keep your gas tank at least half-full. The extra volume can help reduce moisture problems within your fuel system. It also adds a margin of safety should you become stopped or stranded during your trip.
* Always drive with your lights on. Whenever daytime visibility is less than ideal, turning on your lights allows you to see and to be seen by others. Remember this rule of thumb: Wipers on, lights on.
* Keep your vehicle stocked with emergency equipment in case you get stalled or have an accident. Include items like a blanket or extra clothes; candle and matches; snacks; beverages (never alcohol); flares; CB radio, cellular phone; long jumper cables; small shovel; flashlight; windshield scraper; tow rope; and bag of sand or cat litter for traction.
For additional tips, visit www.tiresafety.com.