With the beginning of springtime coming around, it’s important that we stay vigilant with the upkeep of our vehicles. While cars need all-around maintenance and upkeep before the beginning of spring, the tires on your vehicle are especially important. If you’ve done maintenance on your entire vehicle but have neglected the tires, you could be headed into some unforeseen hassles and issues later down the line. Here, we break down everything to know about tire maintenance in the spring. Philadelphia auto repair is available when you stop by or give us a call! We are always happy to help in any way that we can!
Tires
By the time spring comes around, the air pressure in our tires will need proper adjusting. This is because the air pressure in our tires changes about 2% for every 10 degrees change in temperature. So, when the temperatures drop in winter our vehicles will obviously require more air for proper functionality. However, in the spring as the temperatures begin to rise so will the air pressure of our tires. This can lead, unfortunately, to overinflation which can result in a reduction in your tire’s traction and performance. If you neglect to maintain your tires, chances are you get a flat tire without any spare and you may need to get in touch with a car towing service to help you out.
Alignment Check
While most of us enjoy what spring has to offer, there are some negatives that require some attention. One of the worst things that drivers can expect to encounter in spring is the formation of brand new potholes on the roads. Due to this, you’ll want to make sure to get your alignment checked regularly as hitting a pothole can seriously alter your vehicle’s wheel alignment and steering.
Tire Rotation
While you’re busy checking your car’s alignment, it’s a good idea to use this time to also have your vehicle’s tires rotated as well. Doing so ensures balanced handling, maintains traction, and promotes even tread wear. All of these factors work together to ensure your safety while out on the road.
Take Off Winter Tires
If you were using winter tires during the colder months, it is now time to switch over. We recommend
opting for all-season or summer tires for the best performance and health of your vehicle. There are a number of reasons why you want to avoid driving with winter tires in the spring, one of them being that doing so will greatly reduce fuel efficiency. Additionally, your tires will see an increase in wear and tear, which nobody wants. When choosing between summer or all-season tires for your vehicle, the choice is really up to you. Summer tires are designed to run on dry and wet roads. These types of tires provide optimal grip and road holding, which is always a plus. All-season tires, on the other hand, are quite versatile and are usually designed to work in cold and summer temperatures as well. Additionally, all-season tires function well on wet conditions similar to summer tires.
We hope that we helped give you a better idea as to why tire maintenance during the spring is so vital not only for the safety of yourself and your passengers but also for the health of your vehicle as well. Let us know which tip saved you some money in the long run. If you need auto repair in Philadelphia, PA or information on car maintenance tips, we are always open and willing to help!
