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It's February now, and if you're planning a trip anywhere with cold weather, it's a good time to check your tires. While winters are mild here in Bakersfield, nights can get cooler (and keeping up on tire maintenance is a good habit in general that should be done year-round). In winter in particular, and especially if you visit anywhere that gets snow and ice, you'll want to make sure your vehicle is equipped to handle the conditions it faces. One of the most important aspects of winter driving is tire maintenance. Properly maintained tires significantly improve traction, handling, and overall safety on icy and snowy roads.

Here are some tire winter maintenance tips to keep your set in top condition.

1. Check Tire Pressure Regularly

Cold temperatures cause tire pressure to drop. For every 10°F decrease in temperature, tire pressure can fall by about 1 PSI. Low tire pressure results in reduced traction and increased wear. Check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Inflate tires to the manufacturer's recommended pressure, which can usually be found on a sticker inside the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual.

2. Inspect Tread Depth

Tread depth is critical for maintaining grip on slippery surfaces. The minimum legal tread depth in many areas is 2/32 of an inch, but for optimal winter performance, a tread depth of at least 6/32 of an inch is recommended. Use a tread depth gauge if you're preparing your tires for winter. During other times of the year, the penny test works for inspections—insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down; if you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires.

3. Rotate Tires Regularly

Rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles helps ensure even wear and prolongs their lifespan. Uneven wear can compromise traction and handling, especially in winter conditions. Follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule for rotations and consider aligning your wheels if you notice uneven wear patterns.

4. Balance and Align Your Tires

Proper balancing and alignment are essential for optimal tire performance. Misalignment leads to uneven tire wear and affects handling. If you notice your vehicle pulling to one side or if the steering wheel vibrates, have your alignment checked. Balancing tires when they are mounted prevents vibrations and promotes even wear.

5. Monitor for Damage

Regularly inspect your tires for signs of damage, such as cuts, punctures, or cracks in the sidewalls. Any visible damage can compromise safety and performance, so replace damaged tires immediately. Additionally, keep an eye out for bulges or blisters, which may indicate internal damage.

6. Know When to Replace Tires

Tires have a limited lifespan. If they don't wear out, they'll age out. If your tires are approaching show significant wear or have been around for awhile (check with the tire manufacturer for what to expect regarding tire age replacement intervals), it’s time to invest in new ones.

Winter Tire Maintenance in Bakersfield, California

Maintaining your tires is essential for safe driving year-round and especially during the colder months. By regularly checking tire pressure, inspecting tread depth, rotating tires, ensuring proper balance and alignment, monitoring for damage, and knowing when to replace them, you can keep your set rolling for years to come. 

Should you need assistance with winter tire maintenance in Bakersfield, CA, we invite you to contact Clerou Tire & Auto Care. We provide a variety of tire services. Count on our team to keep you rolling year-round with everything from professional tire installations and wheel alignments to tire rotations.