Taking care of your car is serious business.
As one of the biggest purchases you can make, and the means to getting where you need to go, it pays to keep your car well-maintained.
Though maintenance is a year-round necessity, there is often a heightened focus on preparation when winter rolls around. In many parts of the country, the roads become icy and snow-packed while the temperatures drop. So, many drivers need to make some alterations or check-ups before winter.
But what about when winter ends? Though it doesn’t garner as much attention — thanks to the appearance of things simply returning to normal — it is just as important to get your tires ready for spring as it is for winter.
Temperatures are about to change once again, rainy months will cause the roads to be a different sort of slick, and tires can often be worn from winter use.
Here are five ways you can prepare to exit winter, ensuring your car is as ready for the warmer months as you are!
Take Your Winter Tires Off
While most drivers in the United States opt for all-season tires to avoid this exact task, those who use winter or snow tires should get these changed out once it becomes clear the winter weather is gone for good. They are meant to withstand the cold temperatures and icy and snow-packed roads but not for the warm and wet conditions of spring and summer.
Tires that are specifically designed for the road conditions of a season — whether they are winter or summer tires — are meant to be used strictly in that time of year. Driving on the wrong type of tire will not only make your driving riskier but can also result in quicker wear, costing you in your wallet as well as on the road.
Check for Signs of Wearing
Even for the millions of drivers using all-season tires, exiting the winter season still requires you to get your tires ready for the conditions in spring. Since all-season tires aren’t built specifically for the cold temperatures of winter, they tend to stiffen over time in those conditions. That can cause issues such as cracks or accelerated wearing.
The onset of spring also means many areas across the country will experience rainy conditions and wet roads. That means it’s important to check the tread on your tire to ensure you have the proper amount of traction and grip when things get slick.
Check Air Pressure
One of the easiest ways to get your tires ready for spring is to make sure they are properly inflated, as temperatures fluctuate while the seasons change. It’s common for air pressure to drop with the temperature, meaning you should keep an eye on your tires throughout the winter. However, if you did so and filled them when it was cold, be sure the air pressure does not get too high as the temperatures rise in spring.
Driving on underinflated or overinflated tires can cause a variety of issues, especially wearing unevenly.
Alignment
Nothing marks the end of winter like potholes! Whether hitting one pothole hard or navigating bumpy roads for months, it’s possible your alignment needs a check. If your alignment is off, your tires could be wearing unevenly and causing a rough ride, even on the rare instance of smooth pavement. A problem with your alignment can damage more than your tires, so be sure to get any issues sorted out.
Get Your Tires Rotated
Like many of the checks and inspections above, rotating your tires regularly is a good idea no matter the season. Especially following winter, however, there is an even higher need to ensure your tires avoid uneven wear and tear. Especially considering the factors that can contribute to that wear, like tire pressure issues or prolonged extreme cold, a tire rotation could be key in providing the right traction for spring by changing the position of your tires on the vehicle.
Let the Mobile Tire Professionals Handle The Job
Whether making one or several of these steps — or switching out seasonal tires altogether — to get your tires ready for spring, make the process as simple as possible. Try to stay proactive about the situation. Spending a little time to confirm tires can run smoothly will be a much better feeling than spending money on new tires or car parts because of an issue caused by unexpected wear.
If you don’t enjoy spending time in auto or tire shop waiting rooms, contact the mobile tire service professionals at Tread Connection to visit your home or workplace, getting the job done when and where you need it.