It's the middle of winter: Have you checked your tires lately?

(NC) – The snowy season may be in full swing, but we’ve still got a few months to go before the flowers start to bloom – and before driving conditions improve. In fact, the worst of old man winter usually strikes in the New Year. And, just because you’ve made it this far doesn’t mean that your tires will carry you through the rest of the winter.

Winter tires improve traction on ice and snow and are essential to providing a smoother and safer ride for drivers and passengers. However, it’s important to make sure these tires are well-maintained and still doing their job – properly.

“Tougher driving conditions mean more wear and tear on your tires, so it’s a good idea to check your winter tires midway through the season,” says Andrew Horsman, executive director at Ontario Tire Stewardship. “Your tires could be damaged and might even need replacing.”

If new winter tires are indeed on your list of post-Christmas must-haves, don’t forget to properly dispose of your old set. Generally, winter tires need to be replaced every two to three seasons, so without recycling, those old tires can pile up fast.

With the used tires program implemented in Ontario, getting rid of worn down winter tires is easy.

“Just drop them off at any registered Ontario Tire Stewardship collector,” says Horsman. “It’s free and your old tires can get a new life in the form of products like rubber mulch, playground equipment and patio tiles. By using Ontario’s tire recycling program, you help the environment and get a head start on spring cleaning.”

More information on the used tires program can be found online at www.ontarioTS.ca.

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