Winter driving can take a serious toll on your tires. Cold temperatures, rough road conditions, and exposure to salt and moisture can lead to uneven tread wear, pressure fluctuations, and even hidden damage. Now that spring is here, it’s time to inspect, adjust, and maintain your tires to ensure a smooth and safe ride for the warmer months ahead. Here’s how to properly care for your tires after winter.
1. Check Tire Pressure and Adjust as Needed
Cold weather causes tire pressure to drop, and as temperatures rise in the spring, your tires may now be overinflated. Overinflated tires can lead to uneven wear and reduced traction, while underinflated tires hurt fuel efficiency and handling.
Use a tire pressure gauge to check each tire and adjust to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (found in your owner’s manual or on the driver’s side door jamb). Keeping your tires at the correct pressure improves:
- Fuel efficiency
- Tread longevity
- Handling and braking performance
2. Inspect Tread Depth for Wear and Safety
Your tire’s tread depth determines how well it grips the road, especially in wet conditions. Tires that are worn or bald increase stopping distances and make driving more dangerous in spring rain and slick roads.
A simple way to check tread depth is the penny test:
- Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down.
- If you can see the top of his head, the tread is too low, and it’s time to replace your tires.
Look for uneven wear, which could signal alignment or suspension issues that need attention.
3. Rotate Your Tires for Even Wear
Winter roads, potholes, and uneven traction can cause certain tires to wear faster than others. Rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles helps distribute wear evenly, extending the lifespan of all four tires.
If your tires haven’t been rotated recently, spring is the perfect time to do so. Regular rotations improve:
- Handling and stability
- Fuel economy
- Overall tire longevity
4. Check for Cracks, Bulges, or Sidewall Damage
Road salt, ice, and potholes can weaken your tires over the winter, leading to sidewall cracks, bulges, or hidden punctures. Even if your tread is still in good shape, damaged sidewalls can lead to blowouts.
Look for:
- Visible cracks or dry rot in the rubber
- Bulges or bubbles, which indicate internal tire damage
- Objects like nails or debris lodged in the tread
If you notice any of these signs, have a professional inspect your tires before hitting the road this spring.
5. Consider an Alignment Check
Winter driving conditions can knock your wheels out of alignment, leading to uneven tread wear and steering problems. If your car pulls to one side or your steering wheel feels off-center, your alignment may need to be adjusted.
Proper alignment ensures:
- Smoother handling
- Even tire wear
- Better fuel efficiency
6. Switch Back to All-Season or Summer Tires
If you’ve been using winter tires, spring is the time to swap them out for all-season or summer tires. Winter tires are designed for cold temperatures and can wear out quickly in warm weather, reducing traction and performance.
Before storing your winter tires, clean them thoroughly and store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Final Thoughts
Spring tire maintenance is essential to maximize safety, improve handling, and extend the life of your tires after the harsh winter months. Checking tire pressure, tread depth, alignment, and overall condition ensures that your car is ready for warmer weather and long drives. If you notice any signs of wear or damage, schedule a tire inspection with a trusted auto repair shop to keep your vehicle running smoothly all season long.