By now, many motorists are well aware of the advantages that winter or snow tires bring to the table. These tools are made for cold conditions and offer a variety of benefits for drivers, but they must be cared for properly to maintain their qualities throughout harsh weather. 

"Every aspect of a winter tire has been engineered to provide the best performance in winter conditions and temperature fluctuations, while maintaining traction on any surface," said Mark Marrufo of Discount Tire. "The winter tire advantage will maximize your safety and provide peace of mind during the winter months." 

Once a driver has made the switch to winter tires from standard all-season wheels – an action that should happen as soon as temperatures dip below 45 degrees – they need to start caring for them. That begins with making sure the wheels themselves are fit to handle winter tires and referring to an owner's manual for specific instructions about installation. The manual can also provide insight as to the tires' optimal air pressure. Under- or over-inflating tires can lead to uneven traction or safety concerns, so it is best to regularly measure these levels and refill to the proper pressure. 

Drivers should also take steps to continue normal tire maintenance. Tire rotation and wheel alignment are necessary parts of vehicle care, and if they are ignored it may negatively affect the tires themselves. Be sure to take care of these issues at the standard intervals, even if you have just recently switched to winter tires. 

Any drivers who prioritizes their safety will want to make sure their vehicle is ready for winter. If not, it may be time to visit New Jersey Auto Auction. Not only does the lot have hundreds of CARFAX-certified used cars, trucks and vans, but it also boasts the Total Car Care Center, which can address any maintenance issues you may have with an existing model.