How Often Should I Rotate My Tires in the Winter?
How often should I rotate my tires in the winter?
Your vehicle owner’s manual tells you the recommendation for how often to rotate your tires, but what about rotating your tires in the winter, or when there’s snow?
Like many things, your vehicle tires are affected by extreme cold (temperatures at or below freezing), so our D’Orazio Ford Service Team suggests you consider rotating your tires in the winter to help your car, truck or SUV maintain its safest, most optimum performance even in tough winter conditions.
Does cold weather affect tire pressure?
It sure does! Air contracts when it’s cold, which means when outdoor temperatures drop significantly, your tire’s air pressure will drop about 1 pound per square inch for every 10℉ drop in air temperature.
You may notice your tire pressure light coming on- it doesn’t mean your tires are leaking air, just that the air is compressing naturally, causing the drop in tire pressure.
It’s important for the overall safety and handling of your vehicle that you take steps to maintain the recommended PSI for your tires, as indicated in your owner’s manual.
Our D’Orazio Ford tire service team can help: We’ll troubleshoot any tire issues you’re having, help you maintain correct tire pressure, and if there is an underlying problem, we can install new tires that help ensure proper vehicle traction and handling.
You can come into our showroom for service, or contact us and we can come to you with our Mobile Service team and equipment.
How rotating tires in winter helps vehicle performance and safety
You’ve checked your tire pressure, and made the proper adjustments to account for tire pressure changes cold weather brought on.
The next step to ensure peak tire performance is tire rotation, because moving your tires from one position to another on your vehicle helps extend the life of your tires, which affects performance and safety.
Your car’s front tires consistently experience more wear, and bear the brunt of cornering, alignment and your vehicle’s weight. Swapping them out with the back tires allows all four of your tires to wear at the same rate.
Here’s another thing to keep in mind about tires and winter conditions: It’s important to rotate your tires in snow because tires with good tread depth respond better to steering and balance handling, as well as better tire performance when you brake- which can be critical in snow or ice.
Tire Maintenance Tips for Winter
In addition to regular tire rotation, there are a few other key tire maintenance tips to keep in mind during winter:
- Always store your non-winter tires properly. If you use winter tires, store your all-season or summer tires in a cool, dry place during the winter months to maintain their integrity and extend their lifespan.
- Check your tire tread depth frequently. Snow and ice require maximum tread depth to maintain good traction, so make sure your tires have enough tread to keep you safe on the road.
- Inspect your tires for any signs of damage caused by winter driving, such as cracking or irregular wear. Early detection can help prevent more significant problems down the road.
Impact of Salt and Road Chemicals
Winter driving often means exposure to salt and chemicals used to keep roads clear of ice. Unfortunately, these chemicals can have a damaging effect on your tires over time:
- Road salt can corrode the surface of your tires, leading to accelerated wear. Rinse your tires regularly to minimize the buildup of salt and chemicals.
- Cold temperatures can cause your tire rubber to stiffen, making it more prone to cracking or other damage. Regular inspections and proper inflation are essential to protect your tires during winter.
Frequency of Tire Rotation in Specific Winter Scenarios
The frequency with which you rotate your tires may vary depending on the specific winter conditions you’re facing:
- In regions with extreme cold, frequent snowstorms, or consistently icy roads, you may want to rotate your tires more frequently than usual to ensure even wear and optimal handling.
- For rural drivers who may encounter rough or uneven roads, rotating tires more often can help mitigate the effects of harsh conditions on your tire wear.
- City drivers should still keep up with regular tire rotations but may not need to do so as often as rural drivers. However, proper tire care is still essential for navigating icy or slushy streets safely.
D’Orazio Ford Tire Service
Our D’Orazio Ford Service team offers full tire service and replacement at our service center at 1135 South Water Street in Wilmington, plus tire specials and financing, and you get the D’Orazio Ford Low Price Tire Guarantee! If tire problems have left you stranded, simply call us at (815)339-0600 and our Mobile Service team will come to you, evaluate your tires for safety and optimum winter performance, and either service them or replace them so you can get back on the road safely, no matter the winter conditions!