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Among all the boots, buckles and bindings, this winter the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is encouraging I-70 motorists to check what is among the most important of winter gear: tires. The few square inches of rubber contacting the pavement is all that is between you and potential trouble. Encouraging drivers to invest in better tires, CDOT has partnered with tire shops across the state, offering discounts on tires and winter service checks. Go to bit.ly/cdottire to find your closest tire discount – more locations are being added each week.
Not sure if you need new tires? Take the Quarter Test and find out! Insert a quarter into the tire tread upside down, with George Washington’s head going in first. If the top of George’s head is covered by the tread, your tires are OK – do this test at multiple points around each tire. If the top of his head is visible at any point, you need new tires!
A simple way to ensure your tires are prepared for winter is to make sure your tires are fully inflated. Properly inflated tires are safer to drive on, last longer and get better gas mileage, with potential savings of more than $500 in gas each year.
This year, travelers may notice a Passenger Chain Law come into effect for the first time in recent memory. When a Chain Law is in effect, you must have snow tires, all weather tires with mud and snow (M/S) mark, four-wheel drive, or chains or an alternative traction device. All tires must have a minimum 1/8” tread.
In an effort to avoid last year’s “Snowmageddon” – a day last year that experienced severe delays due to 22 vehicles spinning out and causing accidents, 19 of which had bald tires – CDOT and the Colorado State Patrol will be stepping up tire safety and chain law enforcement.