Once again winter is approaching the North State and with it comes rain, ice, and snow. Time to check your times to make sure you have sufficient tread to be safe as well as other winter maintenance like, checking antifreeze condition, battery, and windshield wiper blades and fluid.

If you live in the mountains surrounding Redding, it’s also likely time to check the snow tires to make sure they are ready when you need them. The last thing you want to do is wait till the snow hits to find our your tires are no longer up to par and now you need to wait to get new ones.

On a similar note, how are you traction devices? Snow chains and especially cables can rust up over the summer, it might be a good time to pull those out and check them over. It you have a set that requires rubber bands, check to see if those need to be replaced also. This is also a good time to decide whether the traction devices you have are sufficient or if you need to look into some of the new styles out there. Waiting until you need them an buying them at the first tire store you can find that has a set that fits isn’t the best way to choose a set of chains. Or snow tires for that matter. Now is the time to do your research. If you are looking to purchase a new set of snow chains check out our review of snow chains to get an idea what might be best. We’ve also reviewed some of the top snow tires.

Either way, now is the time to do your research. Don’t wait until your stranded on some mountain pass to remember your winter maintenance. (more…)