Our Top Tire Care Tips and Checklist for Spring

When you find yourself looking to take advantage of the amazing spring weather, you need a vehicle that will take you places. Our vehicles endure significant hardship during the cold and icy winters, so it is good practice to give your car a little extra attention to vulnerable systems before venturing out on long rides, vacations, and weekend outings. Your tires are perhaps one of the areas that require the most attention after a harsh winter, which is why we are taking the time to go over our top tire care tips perfect for the spring season. When it comes to taking charge and DIY car maintenance, U-Pull-&-Pay has you covered!

1. Tire Pressure

The first of our tire care tips is perhaps the easiest project you can tackle this spring. To check your tire pressure, you only need two materials: a tire pressure gauge and your vehicle owner’s manual. A tire pressure gauge is relatively inexpensive and one of the tools you will use most often during vehicle check-ups. Checking your tire pressure is as simple as unscrewing the gap and following the directions on your gauge, but this simple task has significant impacts on how your car drives, the lifespan of your tires, and even your gas mileage. 

Consult your driver’s manual for your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure. Typically, motor vehicles recommend maintaining tire pressure between 30 and 35 PSI. If your tire pressure is low, you will want to fill up your tires with air using an air compressor or air tank at your local gas station. If your tire pressure is too high, simply release excess air and check your tire pressure again with the gauge to ensure your tires are within the recommended pressure levels.

2. Tire Treads

The next of our tire care tips centers on your tire tread. This subtle part of your vehicle should never be overlooked. Tire tread is important for traction, which ensures your vehicle can accelerate smoothly and brake quickly. If this tread wears down, you may find yourself skidding along wet or icy roads, which can put you and your passengers in danger. Save yourself time, money, and possibly heartache with a customer favorite trick you can do to check your tires at home. All you need is a penny!

Place your penny into your tire tread across various places. If you see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is worn down and it’s time for a replacement. As long as part of Lincoln’s head is always covered, you have ample tread depth. With this quick tire tread test, it’s easy to check your tires throughout the year.

Tip!

Regular tire rotations every 3,000 to 5,000 miles helps prevent uneven wearing on your tires and can help extend the life of your tread,

3. Brakes, Alignment, & Suspension

The next of our tire care tips goes beyond the tires. While you are checking your tires for tread depth and air pressure, it is also good practice to inspect your brakes, alignment, and suspension for any surface issues. If you notice any squealing, screeching, or metallic grinding, it might be time to change your brake pads. Additionally, if you notice any rust build-up, or find your car is driving rougher than normal, this could indicate more significant issues with your alignment and suspension. Frequent inspections can help minimize costs later, but a well-timed part replacement will extend the lifetime of your motor vehicle.

Contact Us

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, U-Pull-&-Pay has everything you need for do-it-yourself upkeep and care. Spring is a great time to perform routine checks on all of your motor vehicle’s major systems. If you find yourself in need of parts, save yourself valuable time and money by checking out our inventory of car parts perfect for giving your car a much-needed boost before the bright and exciting summer ahead. Or, come visit us at your local U-Pull-&-Pay location and let our expert staff help you find all of the tools you need for a DIY repair you can trust.