Safety is a big part of being behind the wheel. If you aren't careful you could injure yourself or others. As the seasons change so do the driving safety rules. Don't worry though; the Tire Squad has you covered. We will teach you everything you need to know about driving in all four seasons.

During the summer months you may not think too much about your tires. There isn't any snow or ice on the ground so what is there to be concerned about? Well the summer season is known for producing those bad thunderstorms which can dump a great deal of rain on an area in a short period of time. As a result, hydroplaning is common during thunderstorms. So be careful. Just like in the winter, if you go into a skid and your car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brakes and turn in the direction of the skid. Do not pump the brakes. Also, it is always important to take it easy on the brakes when stopping. Save your tread for hugging the curves instead.

When winter comes many areas of the country experience a drastic change in driving conditions. If that dreaded moment comes and you are stuck in the snow, avoid spinning your tires. When you spin your tires you could overheat them, causing tire failure and possible injury. The correct way to get out of snow is to gently rock your vehicle back and forth. If your vehicle has ABS brakes, follow the instructions in your owner's manual. Also beware of the false comfort that comes with a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Although they are better in the snow they will not stop you better or keep you from skidding if you choose to drive recklessly through the snow.

Along with summer, the fall season can also bring those pesky downpours and rainstorms. Always remember that stopping on wet roads can take up to four times the normal distance. During a downpour be sure to slow down, otherwise your tires may lose their grip on the road. Rain water that mixes with oil, mud, or even wet leaves on the streets can cause slippery conditions and may result in unexpected skidding. Be careful and watch for leaf covered streets.

Finally, we have spring, the season of freezing and thawing which ultimately results in those god forsaken things we know as potholes. Watch out for potholes and try your best not to hit them. Hitting a bad pothole can throw off your car's alignment and damage your tire or vehicle. If you cannot avoid the pothole, avoid braking as you hit it. Instead, apply your brakes before hitting a pothole and release them just prior to impact. Less severe damage may occur when a tire rolls over a pothole than when it skids during braking. Most importantly, slow down on roads that are known to produce nasty potholes.