3 Safety Tips From A Local Auto Shop Ahead Of Winter Storm

News 9 meteorologists are predicting several inches of snowfall starting Thursday, which could cause travel headaches for folks in the metro. Winter weather can be tough on cars, and driving in it can be dangerous. Here are three tips from a local auto shop ahead of the storm.

Check your tread before you drive.

A general rule of thumb is to stay off the roads if you can. But, if you can’t, Jose De Leon, owner of Flawless Auto Center, says it’s essential that you check the tread and air pressure on your tires.

Low tire pressure and worn tread can both contribute to hydroplaning, which can lead to accidents.

De Leon also provided an at-home trick to check your tire tread yourself.

Simply hold a penny between the treads of your tires. If you can see President Lincoln’s head, then it’s time to replace your tires. The tread should hide the head of the penny if it is not worn.

"If you need to replace don't wait until the last minute because it will make the car go slipping especially in this weather," De Leon said.

Have your vehicle’s fluids checked

An improper balance of water and antifreeze in your engine coolant can cause your radiator to malfunction.

De Leon says the shop has already seen cracked radiators from the freezing engine coolant.

"Two of the customers this week already had issues with the radiator and that's because of the straight water," De Leon said.

He said any auto shop can check to see if you need more antifreeze during a routine oil and fluid check.

"We do an oil change and we also inspect all the fluids to make sure that the antifreeze is the right one that's there so in cold weather like this the radiator will support the cold weather," De Leon said.

Drive slow, if at all

De Leon says the best thing to do is stay off the roads once the snow hits. But if you do have to drive, driving slowly is the best way to stay safe.

"You need to if the speed limit is 40 you definitely want to go between 20 and 25. Keep distance on the front of your car," De Leon said.