This isn’t the first time we’ve addressed the question of winter traction when driving on McHenry roadways. But, if you’ll forgive the redundancy, we think it’s worth bringing up again.

When the snow flies, when rain and sleet freeze on the street, maintaining traction between your car’s tires and the road is challenged, to say the least. Unless you’re planning to move to a warmer climate, somewhere considerably warmer than a McHenry winter, there isn’t much you can do about the condition of the roads. What you can do is ensure that your tires have the best chance of getting a grip when the roads are slick.

Traction starts with tread. Tread refers to the gaps in the face of your car’s tires. The tread is at its maximum the day the tires are first installed on your car. As you drive, day after day, the face of each tire wears away little by little. Over time, though you won’t see the difference daily, the tread will disappear. Literally, if you drive on the tires long enough, your tires won’t have any tread left at all.

Naturally, it’s important to replace your tires before they go bald. A bald tire, in a McHenry winter, you’ll be lucky if you can move the car at all. And, if you can get going, your ability to stop is almost nonexistent.

At what point, then, do you want to replace your tires?

One way to check the tread on your tires is with a penny. You insert the penny into the tire tread with the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head going in first. If the top of his hair is still visible, when the penny touches the tire between tread, you need new tires. If the penny only disappears to the top of his forehead, tires are recommended.

This is a general guide. The point is that the more tread your tires have, the better you are. But, it’s not just a matter of tread depth. It’s also a question of tread type.

Snow tires make a big difference on snow and ice of a McHenry winter

You’ll find some tires that are really made for summer driving. The tread style isn’t designed for slippery roads. Other tires have what is called All-Season Tread. These tires are supposed to give reasonable traction any time of the year. But, they’re not as effective as snow tires in the winter.

If you’ve driven McHenry roads in the winter before, and there’s a good chance you have, you know what it’s like when snow is on the roadway, especially if there is ice under the snow. Simple things like stopping aren’t so simple anymore.

Snow tires improve your chances of stopping on slippery roads. Many people who use snow tires will have them removed and stored during the warmer months of the year. Then, when the next winter approaches, they have their snow tires installed again. It’s a great way to have the best chances when driving on the slick roads of winter.