8 Tips for Maintaining Your Winter Tires

February 18, 2020

With winter’s icy grip beginning to release, it’s time to start thinking about switching out your winter tires for summer ones. Winter tires are a great investment in your safety, and you need to take care of them when you store them. Below are a few tips on when winter tires should be changed, how to take care of them and other things you can do to prepare your vehicle for spring.

When should you change out your tires?

You want to make sure you take off your winter tires at the right time to help keep the tread on them last longer. Generally, experts believe that winter tires should be removed when the temperature is close to 7 degrees Celsius and stays there for a week straight. Changing out tires requires a lot more than just replacing them with a different set. Your tires need to be put on correctly and at the right pressure, balanced, aligned and serviced. These jobs are best left to a professional.

When it comes to booking a tire changing, make sure you have yours done by the experts at Xtreme Tire Garage to ensure it’s done right so you don’t have to worry once spring arrives.

How to properly maintain your winter tires

After having your winter tires removed you need to ensure they are stored properly in a cool and dry place until next winter. Here are some tips to help increase the longevity of your winter tires:

Clean your tires before storing them

It might be a simple task, but cleaning road gunk off of your tires before you store them will help avoid the buildup that can cause damage if it sits on your tires for too long.

Wrap your tires up

Get yourself four, large garbage bags and wrap the tires up, making sure to remove all the air. This will help prevent the lubricating oils found within the tires from evaporating. There are also tire tote bags if you want something a little more durable.

Stand them straight up

Although you may lack the space, try to stand your winter tires straight up instead of stacking them. However, if your winter tires are on rims, it’s suggested you stack them.

You can hang your tires up

If space is an issue and your tires are mounted on rims they can be hung up on large hooks. Tires not on rims should not be hung, as the stress can cause the tires to distort and become damaged.

Keep them out of the sun

As with most things, the sun’s rays can wreak havoc on your tires if they are exposed to too much direct sunlight. The heat actually causes the rubber compounds within the tire to break down.

Prep your car for spring

Seasonal car maintenance is integral to making sure you get the most out of your vehicle and tires. When it comes to spring car prep, there are a few key things you can do to make sure you’re road ready.

– Get a tune-up

– Make sure your brakes are in good working order

– Replace wiper blades and fill washer fluid

– Check your battery

– Get an oil change

– Go for a car wash

No matter the time of the year, if you need expert automobile service, contact the vehicle specialists at Xtreme Tire Garage.