As the winter season draws nearer and Mother Nature is giving us a taste of what’s to come, officers with the OPP Central Region are advising drivers to get their vehicles ready. With winter tire season upon us, police say every year they see “wheel-offs,” meaning wheels are detaching from moving vehicles shortly after the seasonal tire change. Police have some tips on ensuring your tires are in good condition and properly installed. They say to make sure lug nuts—the fasteners used to secure a tire’s wheel—are properly torqued and re-torqued to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Often times, tire stores recommend bringing your vehicle back into the shop after getting your tires changed, so they can be re-torqued. This is the tightening technique on your vehicle so the tires stay secure. Throughout the winter season, authorities suggest regularly inspecting each tire to make sure they are in good condition. They recommend checking for any signs of loose, missing or damaged lug nuts. While you are driving, if you hear any unusual noises or vibrations, police say to pull over and check your vehicle before continuing your trip. “A little preparation goes a long way in keeping you and everyone else safe on the roads this winter,” police say.
