You might be all geared up to get your bike out this winter, but are your tires ready? Whether you just bike as part of your regular commute or are planning something slightly more adventurous, good tires are key to maintaining steady traction on slippery roads. With so much care and attention paid to car tires in winters, bike tires should not be left far behind. So, here are some important tire safety tips for winter for bikers.

Get winter tread tires
When it comes to winter tracks, the tread of a tire makes all the difference. Make sure to switch your regular bike tires in favor of ones that have a tread better suited to winter. Winter treads mean that the tires have better spikes and deeper knobs that let them dig in and get a better grip on the road. These will work well in slush, black ice, and even heavy snow. You can also look into getting special bike tires that come with small metal spikes on them for increased grip. These are costlier than regular tires but definitely worth the extra money.

Know the tire compound
Very few bikers are actually aware of the importance of knowing the tire compound. Different types of tires are created to handle different surfaces and weather conditions. Tires that are built for the winter have a slightly sticky and soft compound, which may not give increased rolling capacity but definitely deliver the best grip. And, in winters, the grip is what counts. So, you might want to check with your local tire shop about special winter tires that are made of just the right compounds to help increase traction as you ride on slippery surfaces.

Make a change in the tire size
When it comes to choosing tires, there are many conflicting opinions. Some bikers prefer narrow tires with deep treads as these provide better grip on muddy paths. The only drawback to thin tires is that they can slip easily on rocky surfaces. For this reason, others opt for wider tires that give a firmer grip on all surfaces. The only drawback to this second type is that they easily clog up the frame with mud. You must choose the appropriate winter tire width for your bike depending on the type of surface you commonly ride on.

Check for tire pressure
This might sound like a complete no-brainer and yet, you would be surprised to know just how many people take tire pressure for granted and forget to perform regular checks. For every 10 degrees that drops in the surrounding air temperature, a bike tire loses around one pound of air pressure per square inch. Low tire pressure can lead to many problems including easy wear and tear of tires and even poor control over the brakes. So, remember to check your tire pressure at regular intervals, especially if you ride frequently over rough or rocky terrains. This is one of the most important tire safety tips for winter.