“Snowy Roads and Tire Pressure: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe”
As winter weather hits, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is prepared for driving in snowy conditions. One key factor to consider is tire pressure. Even if your tires don’t appear to be visibly low on air, if your tire pressure monitoring system light is on, it means that one or more of your tires is running lower on air than it should be.
According to Tim Dietz, owner of Troubleshooters, driving on low tire pressure can significantly impact your vehicle’s handling and braking, making it unpredictable and more difficult to control. Under-inflated tires are also more prone to blowouts, particularly when hitting potholes or other road hazards.
To prevent these issues, it’s crucial to regularly check your tire pressure and ensure that it is at the proper levels, especially during winter months when the cold temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop.
In addition to tire pressure concerns, the morning forecast is calling for continuous snow throughout the day, with snow totals expected to reach at least 3 inches for most areas. Westward-facing slopes should anticipate heavier snowfall, with amounts expected to reach at least 5 inches. After the snowfall, cold temperatures will move in, with highs in the teens and overnight lows near 10 degrees, leading to potentially hazardous driving conditions.
In response to the snowy conditions, PennDOT and local snow crews have been actively working to clear and salt roads to ensure safe driving conditions for commuters. Speed limits on certain roadways have been reduced to 45 miles per hour in Allegheny, Beaver, and Lawrence counties to promote safety and reduce the risk of accidents.
Keeping an eye on the changing weather conditions and road maintenance efforts will be crucial for those planning to travel in the affected areas. Stay up to date with the latest weather forecasts and road conditions, and consider postponing non-essential travel to avoid unnecessary risks. With the combination of snow, cold temperatures, and reduced speed limits, it’s important to prioritize safety on the roads.