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What Are TPMS Sensors and How Do They Work?

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:45:03 GMT

Tire pressure is one of the easiest things to overlook, yet it has a direct impact on safety, handling, and fuel economy. Many drivers only think about it when a warning light shows up on the dashboard. That light is tied to a system that automatically monitors pressure.

TPMS, or Tire Pressure Monitoring System, plays a bigger role than most people realize. Understanding how it works can help you respond correctly when something changes.

What TPMS Sensors Actually Do

TPMS sensors monitor tire pressure and alert you when it drops below a safe level. Each sensor is typically mounted inside the wheel and communicates with your vehicle’s computer system.

When pressure falls too low, the system triggers a warning light on the dashboard. That alert is meant to give you time to address the issue before it affects safety or performance.

The Difference Between Direct And Indirect TPMS

There are two main types of TPMS systems. Direct TPMS uses sensors inside each tire to measure pressure in real time. Indirect TPMS uses wheel speed data from the ABS to estimate pressure changes .

Direct systems provide more accurate readings because they measure pressure directly. Indirect systems rely on changes in tire rotation, which can sometimes take longer to detect a problem.

How TPMS Sensors Send Information

Each TPMS sensor sends a wireless signal to the vehicle’s control module. That signal includes pressure data and, in many cases, temperature information as well.

The system constantly checks those readings while you drive. If pressure drops below a certain threshold, the warning light turns on to let you know something needs attention.

Why Tire Pressure Changes Over Time

Tire pressure naturally changes due to temperature and driving conditions. Cold weather can cause pressure to drop, while heat can increase it. Small leaks, punctures, or normal air loss over time can also affect pressure.

Because these changes happen gradually, drivers may not notice them without a monitoring system. TPMS helps bridge that gap by providing a clear alert.

What The TPMS Warning Light Means

A solid TPMS light usually means one or more tires are low on air . Checking and adjusting tire pressure is the first step.

A flashing light often indicates a system issue, such as a faulty sensor or communication problem. In that case, the system itself may need attention rather than the tires.

Common TPMS Sensor Problems

Like any electronic component, TPMS sensors can wear out or fail. The internal battery in most sensors lasts several years but eventually needs to be replaced.

Other issues can include damage during tire service, corrosion, or signal problems. These can prevent the system from reporting accurate data.

Why Ignoring TPMS Warnings Is Risky

Driving on low tire pressure affects more than just tire life. It reduces traction, increases stopping distance, and can lead to uneven wear. It also makes the engine work harder, which affects fuel economy.

Ignoring the warning light removes an important layer of safety. Addressing it early helps keep the vehicle stable and efficient.

How Regular Maintenance Supports TPMS Performance

Checking tire pressure manually during regular maintenance helps confirm the system is working correctly. An inspection can also identify sensor issues before they become more noticeable.

Keeping tires properly inflated and monitoring system performance helps extend tire life and improve overall driving safety.

When To Have Your TPMS Checked

If the TPMS light stays on after adjusting tire pressure, or if it flashes and then remains on, it is time to have the system inspected.

Getting it checked early helps ensure the sensors are working correctly and that your tire pressure is being monitored accurately.

Get TPMS Service In Jacksonville, FL, With Power Tire

If your TPMS light is on or you are unsure whether your system is working properly, Power Tire in Jacksonville, FL, can inspect your sensors and ensure your tire pressure monitoring system is functioning as it should.

Call today to schedule your appointment and keep your tires properly monitored for safer driving .

What Tire Problems Can Mobile Tire Service Fix on the Spot?

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:30:19 GMT

When a commercial vehicle has tire trouble, every minute off the road costs time and money. A flat, a slow leak, or a damaged tire can throw off delivery schedules, delay job sites, and leave a driver stuck in a location where getting to a shop is impractical. That is exactly why mobile tire service is so useful for commercial vehicles.

A good mobile tire service call will handle more on-site than many drivers expect.

Why On-Site Tire Service Works So Well For Commercial Vehicles

Commercial vehicles do not always fail in convenient places. They break down in yards, on routes, at loading docks, at job sites, and in parking areas, where towing the vehicle to a shop adds more downtime than the tire problem itself. Mobile tire service brings the repair to the vehicle, which is often the fastest way to get a truck, van, or work vehicle moving again.

That convenience is only part of the value. For many commercial drivers, the real benefit is speed and efficiency. If the tire issue is repairable or the damaged tire can be replaced on location, the vehicle gets back into service without losing half a day just getting transported somewhere else.

Flat Tires And Repairable Punctures

One of the most common problems mobile tire service can fix on the spot is a flat caused by a repairable puncture. If the damage is in the tread area and the tire has not been driven flat too long, a technician may be able to repair it safely and reinflate the tire on site. That is often the quickest outcome for a commercial vehicle that picked up a nail or road debris during the workday.

This is where a proper inspection is important. Not every flat can be patched or plugged safely, especially if the sidewall is damaged or the tire has internal damage from being run underinflated . Still, for straightforward tread punctures, mobile service is often exactly what gets the vehicle back on the route quickly.

Tire Replacements At The Vehicle Location

If the tire is too damaged to repair, mobile tire service can usually replace it on the spot . That is a big advantage for commercial vehicles because a blowout, shredded tire, or badly damaged casing does not leave much room for temporary solutions. In those situations, getting a replacement tire mounted and installed where the vehicle sits is usually the most practical answer.

This is especially helpful for work vans, light-duty commercial trucks, trailers, and service vehicles that cannot afford long downtime. We see plenty of situations where the best outcome is not a repair at all. It is simply getting the damaged tire off the vehicle, installing a usable replacement, and getting the driver moving again with minimal disruption.

Slow Leaks, Valve Issues, And Pressure Problems

Not every service call starts with a completely flat tire. Mobile tire service can often handle slower air loss problems that keep a commercial vehicle from staying road-ready.

Common on-site fixes often include:

Slow leaks caused by small tread punctures
Valve stem leaks or damaged valve hardware
Bead leaks where the tire is not sealing well to the wheel
Pressure corrections when a tire has dropped far below spec

These problems can seem minor at first, but they can cause serious trouble for commercial vehicles that need to stay in service. A tire that keeps losing air will wear faster, run hotter, and become a much bigger problem if it keeps getting topped off instead of being properly checked.

Tire Damage That Needs More Than A Quick Fix

Mobile tire service can solve a lot, though not every tire problem should be handled as a simple roadside repair. Sidewall cuts, major impact damage, wheel damage, multiple failed tires, and suspension-related tire wear point to a larger issue. In those cases, getting the vehicle moving again may only be the first step.

For example, if a commercial vehicle keeps wearing one tire unevenly or has repeated failures on the same corner, the tire may not be the only problem. Alignment issues, overload conditions, brake drag, or front-end wear may be involved. That is where follow-up service and regular maintenance become important, because replacing the tire alone will not stop the same problem from coming back.

What Drivers Should Have Ready During A Service Call

A mobile tire call goes more smoothly when the driver has a few details ready. Tire size, vehicle type, exact location, and a clear description of the problem all help speed things up. If the driver knows whether the tire is completely flat, losing air slowly, or visibly damaged, that helps the technician arrive prepared.

It helps to mention whether the vehicle is carrying a load, parked in a tight area, or working with dual rear tires or trailer tires. Commercial vehicle service is often about efficiency, and the more clearly the situation is described, the easier it is to get the right help to the right location the first time.

Why Fast Tire Service Protects More Than The Schedule

Waiting too long to replace a damaged commercial tire usually results in additional expense. A slow leak becomes sidewall damage. An underinflated tire overheats. A tire that might have been repairable turns into a full replacement because it stayed in service too long. That is why quick action saves more than time.

It protects the tire, the wheel, the schedule, and the vehicle’s overall reliability. For commercial drivers, staying ahead of tire trouble is one of the easiest ways to avoid larger interruptions during the workday.

Get Mobile Tire Service In Jacksonville, FL, With Power Tire

If your commercial vehicle has a flat, a slow leak, or a damaged tire that needs on-site attention, Power Tire in Jacksonville, FL, can help get the problem resolved without the extra delay of towing the vehicle to a shop.

Call for mobile tire service and get your commercial vehicle back on the road with less downtime and less disruption.

EV Tire Replacement: What To Know Before You Buy

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:15:03 GMT

You finally need tires, and the options look endless. EV versions cost more, the labels mention low rolling resistance, and reviews argue about noise, range, and tread life like they are talking about different tires entirely. Throw in load ratings and factory specs, and it gets confusing fast.

A tire swap can change how your EV feels more than most people expect.

EV Tires Are Not Built Like Standard Tires

EVs put different demands on tires than many gas cars. They carry more weight, deliver torque instantly, and run quieter, so road noise and vibration stand out. Because of that, EV-focused tires often use stronger casings and compounds that waste less energy as the tire flexes. You feel the difference in efficiency, stability, and how calm the cabin stays at highway speed.

Load Rating And Tire Size Come First

Start with the exact size and load index your vehicle calls for, usually listed on the door-jamb label and in the owner’s manual. If the load rating is too low, the tire runs hotter and wears faster, and steering can feel less settled. EVs also react poorly to mismatched overall diameter, especially on AWD models, because traction systems are always comparing wheel speed. If you want a different look or ride feel, stay within safe spec instead of chasing a trendy size.

Rolling Resistance And Range Expectations

Low rolling resistance is the biggest reason EV tires can improve range. Every tire generates heat where it meets the road, and that heat is energy your battery has to supply. EV tires reduce those losses with compound choices and internal construction that flex more efficiently. The payoff is most noticeable on steady commutes and highway miles, where small efficiency differences add up over weeks.

Noise, Ride, And Handling Tradeoffs

On an EV, tire noise becomes the soundtrack, especially on rough pavement. Tread design and sidewall construction decide whether you hear a steady hum, a slap on expansion joints, or a quieter roll. Stiffer sidewalls can sharpen steering and help support the vehicle’s weight, but they can also transmit bumps more clearly. If comfort matters most, look for a tire known for low noise and compliant ride, even if the steering feel is slightly less crisp.

Wear Patterns That Decide Tire Life

EV tire life is often decided by how evenly the tread wears, not just the brand printed on the sidewall. Instant torque can wear drive tires faster, and regenerative braking changes how the tread loads during slowdowns. Potholes and curb taps can knock alignment out enough to scrub a tire down early without obvious pulling.

Here is what usually shortens tire life the fastest. Most of these start small and then show up as rapid edge wear or a new vibration you feel through the seat.

Underinflation that wears shoulders and builds heat
Skipping rotations so one axle wears far ahead of the other
Alignment drift that causes feathering or inner-edge wear
Unbalanced tires that create a constant vibration
Mismatched tread depths on AWD setups that keep the system working harder

Regular maintenance with pressure checks and rotation schedules is the easiest way to keep a new set from aging early.

Replace One, Two, Or All Four

If you picked up a nail and one tire is damaged, replacing just one sounds logical, but it depends on how worn the other tires are . Big tread depth differences can change how the car tracks and brakes, and on AWD systems it can put extra strain on the driveline. If the other tires are still close to new, a single replacement may be fine. If the set is worn, replacing two on the same axle is often the minimum , and sometimes all four is the cleaner move for consistent handling. A quick inspection of tread depth and wear patterns makes the choice clear and prevents that annoying, unsettled feel after the install.

Get EV Tire Replacement In Jacksonville, FL With Power Tire

If you are shopping for EV tires, focus on the correct size and load rating first, then choose the balance you want between efficiency, noise, and wet grip. Schedule tire service with Power Tire in Jacksonville, FL, and we will help you pick a set that fits your driving, then set it up to wear evenly from the first mile.

You should feel the improvement on the next commute.

Why You Should Always Combine Oil Change Service With Tire Rotation and Tire Inspection

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:45:12 GMT

An oil change is one of the few appointments most drivers actually keep. It’s familiar, it’s quick, and it feels like you did something responsible. The problem is that a lot can go wrong with your car between oil changes, and tires are at the top of that list.

Tire rotation and inspection pair perfectly with oil service because the timing lines up naturally. You’re already stopping in. The car is already getting lifted. That one extra step can prevent the kind of tire wear and surprise blowouts that show up when you least have time for them.

Why Oil Service Is The Perfect Time To Check Your Tires

Oil changes happen on a rhythm, usually every few months, depending on your driving and your vehicle. Tires wear on a rhythm too, and that wear is influenced by alignment, inflation, driving habits, and road conditions. When you pair rotations with oil changes, you create a simple routine that keeps tire wear more even and makes it easier to spot problems early.

It also saves effort. A proper tire inspection is much easier when the vehicle is lifted and the tires can be checked up close. You can spot inner-edge wear, nails, sidewall damage, and uneven tread patterns that are hard to see when the car is parked in a driveway.

How Tire Rotation Extends Tire Life

Most vehicles do not wear all four tires evenly. Front tires often wear faster because they handle more braking and steering. On front-wheel drive vehicles, the front tires also handle power delivery, so they can wear even faster.

Rotation spreads that wear across all four tires . That helps the set last longer and keeps the car's traction more consistent across the front and rear. It also helps avoid the situation where two tires are worn out while the other two still look fine.

What A Tire Inspection Can Catch Before It Turns Into A Bigger Issue

A rotation without an inspection misses half the value. Inspection is where you catch the stuff that turns into a roadside problem later.

Uneven tread wear that points to alignment or suspension wear
Low tread depth that increases hydroplaning risk in heavy rain
Punctures or nails that are leaking slowly and can worsen on the highway
Sidewall damage from curbs or potholes that cannot be repaired safely
Dry rot and cracking that can lead to sudden failure, even with decent tread
Bulges or separation that suggest internal tire damage

We’ve seen plenty of tires that looked fine at first glance, but the wear pattern is very different. That kind of wear can sneak up on you if the tires are not closely inspected, and you can end up with a serious suspension problem you are unaware of.

The Hidden Benefits: Handling, Braking, And Fuel Economy

Even tire wear affects more than tire life. It affects how the car brakes, how it tracks on the highway, and how it behaves in wet weather.

When tread depth is uneven, the car can feel less stable during braking. It can also follow road grooves more easily, which makes steering feel twitchy. Poor tire condition can also increase rolling resistance, which can reduce fuel economy over time.

Pairing tire checks with oil service is a simple way to keep the whole vehicle feeling more predictable. It is one of those habits that prevents a lot of expensive surprises.

When Rotation Should Not Be Automatic

Rotation is usually a good idea, but it’s not always automatic. If a tire has a bulge, severe uneven wear, or structural damage, rotating it does not solve the real problem.

Rotation can also be limited by tire size differences on some performance vehicles. Staggered setups cannot rotate front-to-rear because the tire sizes differ. In those cases, the inspection becomes even more important because you are managing wear through alignment, pressure, and driving habits rather than rotation.

The right move is always to look at the tire condition first, then decide which rotation pattern makes sense.

A Simple Routine That Makes Maintenance Easier

Pairing oil changes with tire rotation and inspection turns maintenance into a repeatable routine. It also gives you a consistent checkpoint for other quick items, like looking for leaks, checking fluid levels, and spotting early suspension wear through tire patterns.

It is not about adding extra services for the sake of it. It is about using the time you already set aside to catch issues that tend to get ignored. Tires are a safety item, and they are one of the few parts of the car that directly touch the road. Treating them as part of your oil service routine is a smart, low-effort habit.

Get Oil Change And Tire Service in Jacksonville, FL, with Power Tire

We can handle your oil change, rotate, and inspect your tires during the same visit, so you get even wear, better traction, and fewer surprises between services. We’ll check tread depth, wear patterns, and any damage that could become a problem, then recommend what actually makes sense for your driving.

Call Power Tire in Jacksonville, FL, to schedule service and keep your maintenance routine working for you.

Fleet Tire Management: A Proactive Approach to Avoiding Roadside Blowouts

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:15:04 GMT

Fleet vehicles rack up miles under heavier loads, on tighter schedules, and in more varied conditions than most personal cars. Tires carry that entire workload. When a tire fails on a delivery route or highway run, you are not just buying a replacement; you are paying for downtime, towing, missed appointments, and sometimes body damage. A proactive tire plan is one of the simplest ways to keep the fleet moving and avoid those roadside blowouts that always seem to happen at the worst time.

Why Fleet Tires Fail More Often Than Personal Vehicles

Fleet tires live a tougher life. They spend more time loaded, see more curb strikes in tight lots, and often run longer between breaks. Heat from sustained highway speeds, underinflation, and repeated impacts all work on the internal structure of the tire, not just the tread. Over time, belts can separate, sidewalls can weaken, and small damage can turn into a big failure.

In our experience, many fleet blowouts trace back to small issues that went unnoticed for weeks. A tire that is a few PSI low, a cut in the sidewall, or a chronic overload might not cause an instant flat, but it quietly shortens the tire’s safe life until it finally lets go under stress.

Early Warning Signs Your Fleet Tires Need Attention

Blowouts rarely come completely out of nowhere. The vehicle often gives hints in the weeks before the tire fails . Drivers may feel a vibration at certain speeds, notice a pull, or hear a rhythmic thump that was not there before. Visual checks may show cupped or feathered tread, cords just beginning to show, or irregular wear on one shoulder.

Any tire that consistently needs air between yard checks is another warning sign. Slow leaks from valve stems, beads, or punctures are easy to ignore on a busy morning, yet they are a major contributor to internal heat and belt damage. When we see a pattern like that during inspections, we flag it before a route turns into a roadside tire change.

Building a Simple Inspection Routine for Drivers

A good fleet tire program starts with the people who are in the vehicles every day. Drivers do not need to be tire experts to spot obvious problems. A quick walkaround at the start of each shift can include:

Checking for visibly low or bulging tires
Looking for cuts, sidewall bubbles, or exposed cords
Listening and feeling for new vibrations on the test roll out of the lot
Noting any tire pressure warning lights and reporting them right away

That routine adds a few minutes to the day, but it saves hours on the back end. When drivers know what to look for and how to report it, small issues can be handled in the shop instead of on the shoulder of the highway.

Owner Mistakes That Lead to Blowouts on the Road

Some fleet practices quietly work against tire life. Running tires until they are almost slick, skipping rotations, and avoiding alignments to “save time” usually costs more in the long run. Mixing tire brands and load ratings on the same axle can create handling and wear problems that are hard to predict.

Another common mistake is treating the tire pressure monitoring system as the only check that matters. TPMS is a good backup, but it does not replace regular pressure checks with a gauge. We often see fleets that rely on warning lights, only to find several tires running low for months without ever setting a code.

A Cost Smart Plan for Rotations, Alignments, and Replacements

Tire management works best when it is tied to mileage and service visits instead of emergencies. Rotating tires on a set interval evens out wear and gives technicians a chance to inspect tread and sidewalls up close. Pairing rotations with alignment checks on vehicles that show edge wear or handling changes protects new tires from being scrubbed away early.

Planning replacements based on measured tread depth and tire age, instead of waiting for cords, lets you schedule work when a vehicle is already in for service. We like to map out which units will likely need tires in the next few months so you can budget ahead and avoid buying whatever is available at the last minute.

When to Pull a Vehicle from Service Before a Tire Fails

Taking a unit off the road for a tire issue is never convenient, but it is sometimes the safest and cheapest choice. Any tire with visible cords, a sidewall bubble, a cut deep enough to expose fabric, or repeated low pressure should be handled before the next route. Persistent vibration that does not go away after balancing and rotation is another reason to pause and inspect more deeply.

If a driver reports a hard curb impact, hitting debris, or a severe pothole strike, it is worth checking that wheel position before sending the vehicle back out. We have seen plenty of situations where pulling a van or truck for an hour of inspection prevented a blowout that would have shut it down for days.

Get Fleet Tire Management in Jacksonville, FL with Power Tire

If your vehicles are seeing more roadside tire calls than you would like, or tread wear seems unpredictable from one unit to the next, a structured tire plan can turn that around. We can help you set practical inspection routines, align and rotate at smart intervals, and plan replacements before they fail on the road.

Schedule fleet tire management in Jacksonville, FL with Power Tire , and we will work with you to keep your trucks rolling and your drivers off the shoulder.

5 Reasons Your Tires Deflate Even Without A Puncture

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 16:00:02 GMT

A slowly dropping tire can be confusing when there is no nail in sight. Pressure loss without a clear puncture is common, especially with Florida heat, rain, and potholes. Here are the five most likely causes, how they show up, and what to do before a small issue turns into a ruined tire or bent wheel.

1. Temperature Swings and Natural Air Permeation

Tire pressure changes about one psi for every 10 degrees of temperature change. A cooler morning after a hot day can make a perfectly airtight tire read low. Air also slowly permeates through the rubber liner over time, a normal process that is faster on older tires. If pressure drops a few psi after a cold front or a thunderstorm, you may not have a leak at all. Set pressures early in the morning with tires cold and recheck monthly so you are not chasing normal fluctuation.

2. Valve Cores, Caps, and TPMS Stems

Small parts can cause big headaches. A dry or nicked valve core can seep, and a cracked metal TPMS stem can leak at the base where it meets the sensor. Plastic caps that split allow moisture and grit into the valve, which wears the core seal and starts a slow loss. Light soap bubbles around the valve will show tiny fizzing leaks you cannot hear. In our bay, we often solve “mystery leaks” with a new core, a proper metal cap with a seal, and a torque check on the TPMS stem.

3. Bead Leaks and Wheel Corrosion

The “bead” is the inner edge of the tire that seals against the rim. Corrosion on the wheel’s bead seat, leftover mounting paste, or a slight bend from a pothole can let air escape molecule by molecule. Coastal air and road splash accelerate alloy corrosion, which shows up as a chalky line around the rim. A lasting fix means demounting the tire, cleaning the bead seat to bright metal, applying fresh bead sealer, and remounting. If the lip is bent or deeply pitted, wheel repair or replacement is the smart move to keep pressures stable.

4. Tiny Tread Injuries and Sidewall Flex Damage

Very small tread injuries from glass slivers or construction wire can seal for a while, then reopen as the tire flexes. Sidewalls are especially sneaky because the hole closes under weight and opens overnight, leaving a low tire in the morning. Sidewall damage is not safe to repair because that area flexes every revolution. A clean, small puncture in the tread away from the shoulders can usually be repaired properly with an internal plug patch, but anything on the shoulder or sidewall calls for replacement to protect you at highway speed.

5. Bent or Cracked Wheels and Poor Seating

A rim with a flat spot from a pothole can look fine at a glance, yet leak at the bend. Hairline cracks at the inner barrel also bleed air slowly and only show up under a dunk test. Even a well-made wheel can leak if debris accumulates on the hub face, preventing the rim from seating perfectly during installation. If one corner drops a few psi every week while the others hold, ask for a wheel runout check and a dunk test. We also clean hub faces during tire service so the wheel sits flush and seals consistently.

Repair, Replace, or Reseal: Choosing the Right Fix

Valve core or TPMS stem leak: Inexpensive to fix.
Bead leak: Usually solved with a thorough clean and reseal.
Repairable tread puncture : Use a proper inside plug-patch, not an outside string alone.
Bent rim lips: Often can be straightened.
Cracked wheel barrels: Typically require wheel replacement.
Uneven tread from driving low: Replace the pair on that axle to keep handling balanced and braking predictable.

How Regular Maintenance Prevents Repeat Drops

Set pressures monthly, rotate tires on schedule, and request an alignment check if inner shoulder wear appears. Clean wheels prevent salt and brake dust from creeping under the bead.

Avoid aggressive curb angles when parking, and watch for standing water that hides deep potholes. Small habits like these keep the casing healthy so it holds air the way it should.

Get Reliable Tire Leak Diagnosis in Jacksonville with Power Tire

If a tire keeps losing air without an obvious cause, stop by our Jacksonville shop. We can test the assembly, check the valve and TPMS stem, clean and reseal the bead, and repair tread punctures the right way so pressures hold.

Our technicians set pressures to the door label and verify alignment, so you leave with steady readings, even wear, and a quieter, safer ride.

Seasonal Tire Tips: Preparing Your Car for Winter Driving

Thu, 30 May 2024 12:43:00 GMT

How to Prepare Your Car for Winter

Preparing your car for the chilly weather

Just as you dress yourself in extra layers and winterize your house to protect it from the cold, your car tire needs extra preparation to make it through the winter as well. But getting ready is only half the battle. Winter driving conditions also mandate driving differently. Snow and ice need to be taken seriously and prepared for.HowStuffWorks Trivia! (General Knowledge No. 9)

Hopefully, by the time winter’s first storm hits, most people are prepared with a closet full of heavy coats and boots. This winter, make sure your car is as prepared as you are. Going the extra mile by getting your vehicle ready for winter and learning what it takes to drive safely through ice and snow could save your life.

In this article, we’ll tell you what your car tires need to make it through winter, what to pack before you take a winter road trip, how to manage snowy and icy conditions, and what to do in the event of an accident.