It’s time to get your car’s tires prepped for warmer weather after the long winter.  Taking care of your vehicle now will also make sure you’re ready for summer road trips and vacations. Below are 5 tips for making sure your tires are ready for spring:

  1. Have your snow tires removed as soon as winter weather ends. Snow tires will wear much faster than regular tires because they are made of a very soft rubber and are designed for colder temperatures. Leaving them on longer than needed will make them wear out much faster. April is generally a good time to change them, weather depending.
  2. Check the wear on your snow tires. Winter tires should be retired sooner than conventional tires. A tire store or auto shop can measure your tread for you to see if it’s time for a new set. Safety first!
  3. Inspect, rotate, and align. If you’re having your tires changed, this is a good time to also check the alignment. If you’ve been using all-season tires, you should also have them rotated and check the tire tread to ensure they have enough traction for the rainy spring months.
  4. Check and adjust the tire pressure of your all season or summer tires. Anytime there is a significant change in temperature, it’s a good time to check the tire pressure. Consult your owner’s manual or look on the inside of your driver door to see what PSI your front and rear tires should be at.
  5. Don’t forget to check your spare – Possibly one of the most important tires on your car but often forgotten about until you need it – the spare! Spring is a good time to check on the spare tire and make sure it’s properly inflated and does not have any issues or damage.