Winter tires are essential for safe driving during the colder months, providing increased traction and stability on snowy or icy roads. Are you wondering how to get the most out of your winter tires and ensure they last? Here’s a guide to maintaining your winter tires throughout the winter season and how Birchwood can help!
1. Check Tire Pressure Regularly
Cold temperatures cause tire pressure to drop, which can lead to under-inflation. Under-inflated tires wear out faster and reduce fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure at least once a month, or every time there’s a significant temperature drop, and adjust depending on the recommended level. You can find your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure on a sticker inside the driver-side door. Birchwood can help you maintain the correct tire pressure with our regular tire checks!
2. Inspect Tread Depth
Winter tires are only effective if their tread is deep enough to grip snowy and icy roads. The minimum tread depth recommended for winter tires is 4.8 millimeters, though deeper treads provide better traction. Inspect your tires regularly for tread wear and replace them if necessary. Our team at Birchwood can assess your tire tread and advise you on when it’s time for new tires.
Read more: When Should You Replace Your Winter Tires?
3. Rotate Tires
Regularly rotating your winter tires can help them wear evenly, maximizing their lifespan and ensuring consistent performance. It’s recommended to rotate winter tires every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometers or at least once during the winter season. Birchwood’s service center offers tire rotation services to keep your tires in optimal shape.
4. Avoid Aggressive Driving
Harsh braking, sharp turns, and high-speed driving can increase the wear on your winter tires. While driving, try to accelerate and brake smoothly, and avoid sudden maneuvers. Smooth and controlled driving will help your winter tires last longer and improve your safety on snowy or icy roads!
5. Clean Your Tires
Salt, sand, and other debris on winter roads can build up on your tires, causing damage over time. Rinse your tires and wheel wells regularly to remove salt and grime, preventing corrosion and extending tire life. Birchwood offers free car washes with our service appointments, helping you keep your tires and vehicle clean throughout the season.
6. Store Tires Properly in the Off-Season
When winter ends, store your winter tires in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent cracking and degradation. Birchwood also offers seasonal tire storage services, saving you space and ensuring your tires are stored in optimal conditions for next winter.
How Birchwood Can Help Maintain Your Winter Tires
At Birchwood, we understand the importance of maintaining your winter tires to ensure safety and performance, especially in Manitoba winters. Our trained technicians can handle everything from installation to maintenance, including tire pressure checks, rotations, tread inspections, and more. With our tire storage service, you can also store your winter tires in the off-season without a hassle.
Schedule a service appointment with us today, and let our team help you drive safely through Manitoba’s winter roads!
