While vehicle maintenance is something you need to cater to all year round, there're seasons, such as winter, that bring a heightened focus on "winterizing" your vehicle. The icy and snowy conditions force people to make upgrades and check-ups before winter. But what happens when summer comes? Temperatures rise, and thunderstorms become a norm, making the roads slippery. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your tires are ready for summer driving. Below are some practical tips for ensuring your tires are safe for summer.
Remove Winter Tires and Check Air Pressure
The first thing you want to do is remove the winter tires because they aren't of much help in winter. In fact, they'll wear rather quicker when used on warm, paved roads. So instead, use summer or all-weather tires.
It is also crucial to check the tire pressure to ensure that they're adequately inflated. With properly inflated tires, the tires maintain constant contact and the road. With improperly inflated tires, the tires wear unevenly, and in the long term, you spend more on tire replacement. Additionally, underinflated tires overheat quicker, increasing the chances of sudden blowouts.
It is essential to go through the vehicle's owner's manual to find the recommended tire pressure. The best time to check the pressure is in the morning because it's then when the air in the tire is contracted.
Check for Tire Wear
You might use all-season tires during winter, but you'll still prepare them for the spring season. Remember, all-season tires aren't mainly built for cold weather. They tend to stiffen when exposed to icy conditions over time. That causes cracks and quick wear.
Summer brings thunderstorms and wet conditions. That's when you need to focus on the tire tread to ensure they have enough depth to ensure the car has sufficient grip and traction on the road. In the United States, tire depth is measured in 32nds of an inch. New tires often come with a tire tread of 10/32" or 11/32", with winter tires having slightly deeper treads. The US DOT recommends that you replace the tires when their tread measures 2/32" or lower.
If you're looking for professional, affordable, and client-focused tire repair and replacement services, bring your car to our auto care center, and we'll take care of your tires like they're our own.