JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Although many Air Force bases are located in mild climates, many of us travel into areas that have snow and ice during our winter holidays. Having a car prepared for winter (proper anti-freeze, wiper blades and tires) can make the difference of being involved in a mishap or not.
Case Study: An Air Mobility Command 1st lieutenant was traveling to a ski-resort in a rear wheel drive Nissan when he lost control on a snowy road, slid sideways into the oncoming lane and was struck by a car. Although a seat belt was worn, the lieutenant was fatally injured during the collision. Post mishap investigation revealed the Nissan was equipped with high-performance all-season tires that had minimal tread remaining on them. The lieutenant had purchased snow-chains two days prior to the mishap, but they were not used.
Bottom line: If snow-covered roads are a concern, you should consider replacing your tires when they reach approximately 6/32" of remaining tread depth to maintain good mobility. You need more tread depth in snow because your tires need to compress the snow in their grooves and release it as they roll. If there isn't sufficient tread depth, the "bites" of snow your tires can take on each revolution will be reduced to "nibbles," and your vehicle's traction and mobility will be sacrificed. Because tread depth is such an important element for snow traction, winter tires usually start with noticeably deeper tread depths than typical all-season or summer tires. Some winter tires even have a second series of "wear bars" molded in their tread pattern indicating approximately 6/32" remaining tread depth to warn you when your tires no longer meet the desired tread depth.