How to Make Winter Tires Last Longer

Commuting in and around Pittsburgh during the winter can be an icy, snowy task, making snow tires a great addition to your vehicle. Since winter tires are an added cost to your budget, you may be looking for ways to extend their lifespan and keep them in top shape for the winter season. 

While car maintenance can be challenging in the winter, it is crucial to ensure your vehicle remains safe and roadworthy for the season. At Hoods Up Quick Lube, we've put together our top tips for tire care to help your winter tires perform well and last longer! 

Clean Your Tires to Prevent Salt Damage

While road salt does not directly affect the rubber compound of your tire, it can significantly affect the tire's lifespan. Issues such as corrosion of the wheel rims cause the tires to wear unevenly and deteriorate faster. 

Before cleaning the wheels, wash the body of the car using warm water. Never use hot water, especially if there is snow and ice on the vehicle. Hot water can expand, enlarging microscopic cracks in the glass or shattering the glass completely. 

Be sure you are appropriately dressed for the weather, or try to wash the vehicle in an enclosed area such as your garage. If you prefer, you can take your car to a car wash instead. Whether you wash your car yourself or take it to a car wash, thoroughly dry it afterward using a microfiber towel. This should be done once a week or more, depending on how often you drive. 

Follow these steps for cleaning your wheels:

• Remove the hubcaps, if applicable, and clean them with warm, soapy water.
• Clean behind each wheel with your garden hose to remove as much salt buildup as possible, and then finish cleaning with a sponge and water.
• Spray the wheel with the wheel cleaner, going one at a time. Wipe off the tire with a soft-bristle wheel brush or cotton cloth. Use a smaller soft-bristle brush to get into the smaller spaces.
• Rinse the wheel.
• Dry the wheel with a clean, soft towel. 

Rotate your Tires to Handle Pittsburgh Roads

Rotating your tires can help you get more life out of them while driving Pittsburgh roads. When you don't regularly rotate your tires, it can cause uneven wear on the tires, poor handling, less traction, increased risk of blowouts, and more. By rotating your tires, you can:

• Extend tire life: Rotating your tires allows them to wear more evenly and last longer.
• Get better traction: Pittsburgh's winters can create hazardous road conditions. Rotating your tires can ensure even wear, which provides better traction in icy, snowy conditions.
• Increase fuel efficiency: Evenly worn tires help reduce drag and prevent strain on your engine, improving your vehicle's fuel efficiency of your vehicle.
• Improve handling: Evenly worn tires provide balanced handling that will keep you safer on winter roads.
• Tires should be rotated every six to eight months or every 5,000 - 7,000 miles. 

Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly in McMurray's Changing Temperatures

As the temperature drops in McMurray, so does your tire pressure. Low tire pressure can shorten the lifespan of your tires by increasing the risk of blowouts and tire wear. It is also a safety hazard, causing compromised handling and braking performance and longer stopping distances, possibly resulting in a collision. 

To avoid these issues, check your tire pressure once every two weeks to ensure they are at the right level. Here are the steps to check your tire pressure:

• Remove the valve cap from the tire.
• Press the tire pressure gauge down firmly onto the tire's valve stem. Do this until the hissing stops.
• Read the number on the pressure gauge and compare it to the vehicle's recommended tire pressure. This number can be found on the sticker inside the driver's door or in your car's owner's manual.
• Add air to the tires and recheck if necessary.
• Replace the valve caps.
• By following these steps, you can ensure your tire pressure is where it needs to be to help your tires last. 

Winter Tire Care Services at Hoods Up Quick Lube in McMurray

As the temperature drops and winter continues on in McMurray, ensuring your vehicle is prepared to handle the icy roads and unpredictable conditions is critical. At Hoods Up Quick Lube, we specialize in comprehensive winter care services to keep you safe and confident behind the wheel. 

Tire inspections, rotations, and other winter tire care services are available as part of our commitment to your safety and convenience.

Tire Inspections for Optimal Safety

Tires are your vehicle’s first line of defense against winter hazards. Our expert technicians perform detailed tire inspections to identify issues such as worn treads, cracks, or punctures that can compromise safety on slippery roads. 

We measure tread depth to ensure it meets the recommended standards for winter driving, where deeper treads provide better traction on snowy or icy roads. In addition, we assess tire pressure, as cold weather often causes pressure to drop, impacting both performance and fuel efficiency.

Professional Tire Rotations

Regular tire rotations are critical to maintaining even wear across all four tires, increasing their lifespan, and improving handling. Winter conditions amplify the importance of even tire wear, as unevenly worn tires can reduce grip on icy roads. 

At Hoods Up Quick Lube, we rotate your tires with precision, ensuring they wear evenly and deliver maximum performance during the coldest months.

Winter Tire Installation and Maintenance

If you’re switching to winter tires, our team is here to help. Winter tires are designed specially with deeper treads and softer rubber compounds which help provide better traction and flexibility in sub-zero temperatures. We can install, balance, and align your winter tires for optimal performance. 

Why Choose Hoods Up Quick Lube?

At Hoods Up Quick Lube, we prioritize quality service and customer satisfaction. Our skilled automotive technicians use state-of-the-art tools and techniques to deliver reliable winter tire care tailored to your needs. 

Don’t let winter catch you off guard—schedule your tire service with us today and drive with confidence all season long.