Get Your Vehicle Ready for Spring with These Tire Tips

Spring is right around the corner, which means warmer weather and more time spent driving. After a long winter, your tires may be worn down or damaged, so now is the perfect time to inspect them and make any necessary repairs or replacements. Properly maintained tires are essential for safe driving and will give you peace of mind when hitting the roads this season. Read on for some key tire care tips to ensure your vehicle is ready for springtime adventures.

Inspect Your Tires Regularly:

The first step is examining the condition of your current tires. Look for any cracks, bulges, punctures, or bald spots where the tread depth is low. Uneven or abnormal wear indicates issues with tire inflation, wheel alignment, or suspension problems. Use a penny to test tread depth - place it upside down in a groove and if you can see the top of Lincoln's head, your tires are worn out and need replacement. The minimum recommended tread depth is 2/32 of an inch, but ideally you want at least 4/32 inches for optimal traction. Rotation and balancing every 5,000-8,000 miles helps prevent uneven wear. Catching tire issues now avoids dangerous blowouts, poor handling, and reduced braking later on.

Check Tire Pressure Frequently:

Maintaining proper tire pressure is key for maximum tire life, fuel efficiency, and performance. Tires naturally lose pressure over time through the porous rubber, so air pressure should be checked at least monthly. Use an accurate pressure gauge (not just a glance at the gas station air pump readout) to check when tires are cold, before driving. Consult your owner's manual or sticker inside the driver's door jamb for the recommended PSI for your vehicle. Underinflated tires will wear faster in the center of the tread, while overinflated tires wear more on the outer edges. Improper inflation also reduces your car's gas mileage. Keeping tires inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's suggested pressure ensures even contact with the road for ideal traction and braking.

Replace Worn Tires:

If upon inspection your tires are heavily worn, cracked, or punctured, it's definitely time to replace them. Tires degrade over time from heat, weather, and road conditions. The general guideline is to replace them every 6 years regardless of tread depth, and even sooner if you drive frequently. Installing a new set of tires improves traction, braking, handling, and overall safety. Consult with one of our tire professionals to determine the best new tire options compatible with your vehicle's make and model. We carry leading brands like Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, and more. Our technicians can also assess your wheel alignment and suspension to address any underlying issues causing uneven tire wear. Investing in a fresh set of quality tires from Highland Tire will give you confidence and peace of mind out on the roads this spring.

Getting your vehicle's tires inspected and serviced before spring is vital, as worn or improperly inflated tires are a safety hazard and also cost you more at the gas pump. Keep tires properly inflated, rotate them regularly, and replace any that are heavily worn or damaged. Our experienced Highland Tire staff can assist with all your tire needs to keep your car, truck or SUV running smoothly all season long. Contact us today to schedule an appointment! Taking a proactive approach now means you can hit the roads with safety and confidence when sunny spring weather arrives.