Winter tires full maintenance guide

Proper maintenance of winter tires is essential for ensuring maximum performance, safety, and longevity, especially in harsh winter conditions. Here’s a comprehensive guide to keeping your winter tires in top shape.

1. Regular Inspection: Frequently inspect your winter tires for any signs of wear, cuts, bulges, or irregular tread wear. These can be indications of alignment issues, under-inflation, or damage that needs attention.
2. Tire Pressure: Cold temperatures can significantly affect tire pressure. Check the pressure regularly, ideally once a week, as under-inflated tires can compromise traction, handling, and fuel efficiency. Inflate them according to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI found in your vehicle’s manual or on the driver’s side door frame.
3. Rotation: Regular tire rotation is crucial for even tread wear. Rotate your winter tires as recommended by the manufacturer or every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. This practice ensures uniform wear and extends the life of the tires.
4. Balancing and Alignment: Have your tires balanced and the vehicle’s alignment checked at the start of the winter season. Proper balancing and alignment reduce tire wear and improve handling and safety.
5. Cleaning: Salt and de-icing chemicals can be corrosive. Regularly clean your winter tires and wheels to remove these substances and prevent damage.
6. Storage: Store your winter tires in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and ozone when not in use. Cover them to protect against dust and store them horizontally or hang them to prevent deformation.
7. Replacement: Monitor tread depth. Winter tires typically have deeper treads for better grip on snow and ice. Replace them when they reach the 4/32-inch tread depth, as this is the point where winter traction significantly diminishes.

Remember, winter tires are designed for cold weather and should be replaced with all-season or summer tires once the temperature consistently stays above 45°F (7°C). Proper maintenance and timely replacement of winter tires ensure you have the traction and safety needed for winter driving conditions.