Winter takes a toll on your tires, with cold temperatures, road salt, and potholes all contributing to wear and tear. As the weather warms up, it’s important to check your tire condition, pressure, and alignment to ensure they’re ready for spring and summer driving. Proper tire maintenance improves fuel efficiency, handling, and safety, helping you avoid blowouts or uneven wear. Here’s what you need to do to maintain your tires after winter.
Check Tire Pressure
Cold weather can cause tire pressure to drop, leading to underinflation. Now that temperatures are rising, it’s crucial to check and adjust your tire pressure to manufacturer-recommended levels (found in your owner’s manual or inside the driver’s side door). Proper inflation ensures:
- Better fuel efficiency
- Even tire wear
- Improved traction and handling
Be careful not to overinflate, as warmer temperatures can cause the air inside the tire to expand, leading to excessive pressure and possible blowouts.
Inspect for Tread Wear and Damage
Winter roads can be rough on tires, creating uneven tread wear, cracks, or embedded debris. To check your tread depth, use the penny test—insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread is too worn, and it’s time to replace the tires.
Look for:
- Bald spots or uneven wear patterns
- Cracks in the sidewalls
- Embedded nails, glass, or debris
- Bulges or bubbles, which indicate internal damage
If you notice any of these issues, have your tires inspected by a professional before hitting the road.
Rotate Your Tires
Winter driving conditions can cause uneven wear, especially on the front or rear tires depending on your vehicle’s drivetrain. A tire rotation helps distribute wear evenly, extending their lifespan and improving overall performance. Most manufacturers recommend rotating your tires every 5,000–7,500 miles to keep them wearing evenly.
Check for Alignment Issues
Hitting potholes, ice chunks, or curbs in the winter can knock your wheels out of alignment, leading to pulling, steering issues, and uneven tread wear. If you notice your car drifting to one side or your steering wheel vibrating, it’s time for a wheel alignment check. Proper alignment:
- Prevents uneven tire wear
- Improves fuel efficiency
- Enhances steering and handling
Consider Switching to Summer or All-Season Tires
If you used winter tires, spring is the time to switch back to all-season or summer tires. Winter tires are designed for cold temperatures and icy roads, but they wear down quickly in warm weather. Keeping them on in spring and summer reduces traction and shortens their lifespan.
Store your winter tires in a cool, dry place and consider having them inspected before storing them for next winter.
Final Thoughts
Spring is the perfect time to inspect, rotate, and align your tires to ensure they’re in top condition for the warmer months ahead. Checking tire pressure, tread wear, and alignment can prevent premature wear and improve safety on the road. If your tires show signs of damage or excessive wear, schedule a tire inspection with a trusted auto repair shop to keep your car running smoothly all season long.