As winter rolls around, many people prepare by fitting their tires with chains for the snow. When spring arrives, though, is there anything specific that should be done to prepare tires? Although you won’t need to apply chains, there are several important maintenance tips that can help keep your tires in great shape all year long. You can start by cleaning your tires with a specially formulated wheel cleaner. A wheel cleaner can carefully remove dirt, debris, and sticky substances that have accumulated on your wheels and tires. These products are designed to be gentle on the wheel itself, though, so you don’t need to worry about harming your tires.
Maintain Tire Quality
Spring is also a great time to check in on your tires’ overall quality. Experts recommend that tires should be rotated approximately every 7,500 miles, and they should be replaced every six years. If your tires are overdue for maintenance, now is the time to get it done. You never know what kind of weather to expect in spring, and having reliable tires is a must. In addition to professional maintenance, you should ensure that your tires are correctly inflated, too. If your tire pressure is too high, they will likely wear out much faster and unevenly. Conversely, if they are underinflated, they may overheat and increase the risk of a blowout.
When you’re inspecting your tires, there are several other important features you should check. Take a look at the tread — the part of the tire that hits the road — and ensure that it isn’t too worn. You can check this by inserting a penny into the groove of the tire. The coin should be upside down and positioned so that Lincoln faces you. If the entirety of Lincoln’s head is visible, the tread is too worn, and it’s time to replace your tires. If most of Lincoln’s head is concealed by the tread, it likely has some life left.
Prevent Wear and Tear
Repairing and replacing tires can be expensive. How can you prevent wear and tear and prolong their lifespan? You can start by washing them regularly with a wheel cleaner that removes dirt and road debris. When these substances are left on tires and allowed to accumulate, they may contribute to continuous damage that ultimately wears them out faster. It’s recommended that you use a bristled brush on the treads to ensure that you thoroughly remove any debris that may be embedded deep in the tire. Be careful not to use a bristled brush on your rims, though — it could scratch them. Use a microfiber cloth for this surface instead.
After cleaning your wheels, you can finish the job with a detailing kit. Detailing kits commonly feature various cleaners that are formulated for each individual part of your car. This ensures that every surface is cleaned effectively and protected from chemicals that could be damaging. Detailing your car is one of the best ways to get it ready for driving in the spring.
