Believe it or not, winter is already half over. The holidays are a memory, daylight is slowly creeping back, and while spring still feels far away, now is the perfect moment to check in on something that’s been working hard for you all season: your tires. As a mechanic in Methuen, MA, we see a lot of drivers who run into tire-related problems in the back half of winter. However, it’s easy to avoid these issues by checking your tires throughout the winter.
Don’t let your tires slow you down this winter! Here are some tips for your mechanic to ensure your tires last until spring.
Check the Tread
Start with tread depth. Good tread is essential for gripping snowy and wet roads. If the tread is wearing down unevenly or looks shallow, your stopping distance may be longer than you think. A quick visual inspection can tell you a lot, but if you’re unsure, most shops can measure tread depth in minutes.
Adjust Tire Pressure
Next, check tire pressure. Cold air causes tires to lose pressure faster, and underinflated tires don’t perform as well in winter conditions. Low pressure can also cause uneven wear and reduce fuel economy. Make sure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level. That’s not the number on the tire sidewall, but the one listed inside your vehicle.
Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires
If you’re running winter tires, ask yourself how they’re holding up. Winter tires are designed to stay flexible in cold temperatures, but they still wear over time. Aggressive driving, frequent dry-road use, or misalignment can shorten their lifespan. Catching issues now could save you from needing a full replacement next winter.
And if you’re using all-season tires year-round, this is an especially important checkpoint. All-seasons can handle light winter conditions, but once the tread wears down, their winter performance drops quickly.
Methuen Mechanic | Check Your Tires This Winter
Checking your tires throughout the winter does more than avoid inconveniences. It keeps you safe through the ice, snow, and slush of winter roads. By taking a few minutes now and then to check your tires are still in good condition, you can ensure that you and other drivers stay safe on the road. And if you find any issues that you can’t fix yourself, our team at Kbrera’s Exhaust is here to help! Contact us today to schedule a service appointment.