Tips For Basic Winter And Spring Tire Maintenance
Changing winter and spring weather means you have to step up on your car's tire maintenance. If you live in a cold area with lots of winter snow or rain, it's important that your tires are in good condition so they can grip the road effectively. If you're not sure how to get started on winter tire maintenance, then here are a few tips to get you started.
Replace Worn Tires Ahead of Time
Before the winter or rainy season starts, check over and replace any worn or nearly worn tires. While a thin tread might be OK for a while on dry surfaces, it could be unsafe during wet or frozen conditions. If your tires are approaching replacement time, then consider getting new ones before the change of seasons.
Change to Snow or All-Season Tires
If you drive in an area with a lot of snow, then change your tires to snow tires in the winter if you have not already considered doing so. If you don't get much snow but get a lot of rain, then all-season tires may be a good bet for year-round use.
Keep Tires Inflated
To get the most traction from your tires, keep them inflated at the right levels. During the cooler months, you may have to check and refill the air in your tires more often. Colder temperatures usually mean a drop in tire pressure. Because temperatures rise and fall often during the winter, it's important to check your tire pressure regularly.
Rotate Tires Regularly
Make sure you don't skimp out on tire rotation, especially during the winter and spring months. Tire rotation ensures the tread wears evenly. Doing this helps with your tires' longevity, handling and overall performance. Tire balance can also change over time, so re-balance them when they are rotated.
Do a Visual Check
Doing a full visual inspection regularly helps identify potential problems. When you do a visual check, look for uneven wear, like cupping and feathering, in certain areas. Sometimes, it can be hard to see wear on the inside of the tires without taking a good, hard look. Some types of wear are often the first sign of a suspension or steering problem.
Tire maintenance isn't usually time consuming and can actually save you money and time in the long run. Plus, good tire tread is a critical safety and handling component. A good tire shop or mechanic can be an extra pair of eyes as well, and they can give you advice as to care and replacement.
