Thursday 16th June 2022

Summer & Winter Tyre Maintenance Tips

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Summer & Winter Tyre Maintenance: Everything you need to know

Maintaining your tyres is important all year round, but it’s even more crucial in the summer and winter months when the weather can be more extreme. In the summer, the hot weather can cause your tyres to degrade faster, while in the winter, the cold weather can make them harder and more prone to cracking.

When tyres are properly maintained, they significantly improve performance and reduce the risk of accidents. If you’re unsure whether your tyres could use some maintenance, then here are a few tips for you.

Summer Tyre Maintenance:

As the warmer weather approaches, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is prepared for the summer months ahead. One key area to focus on is the tyres, which can be adversely affected by the heat. Here are our top tips for keeping your tyres in good condition during the summer:

Regularly check the tyre pressures

Hot weather can cause your tyre pressure to drop, Underinflated tyres not only impact fuel economy but can also overheat, cause serious damage, and cause accidents.

Inspect tyres

Inspect your tyres for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or bulges in the sidewalls. If you spot any issues, have them checked, repaired, or replaced by a professional garage like AP Autocare as soon as possible.

Keep an eye out for sharp objects

Keep an eye out for sharp objects that may have become embedded in your treads; even small stones can cause irreparable damage if left unattended. Ensuring sufficient tread depth is vital for maintaining grip in wet weather conditions; the legal minimum is 1.6mm, but ideally, 3mm should be maintained across the whole tyre surface.

With a little bit of care and attention, you can help to prolong the life of your tyres and stay safe on the roads this summer.

Winter Tyre Maintenance:

It’s important to keep your car in good and safe condition all year round, and this includes paying special attention to your tyres in the winter. Here are a few tips on how to care for your tyres during the colder months:

Tyres should be properly inflated

First, ensure your tyres are properly inflated and check the pressure needed in your user manual, or there is normally a sticker on the inside of the driver’s side door. Cold weather can cause them to lose air pressure, which can lead to decreased gas mileage and shortened tyre life. You should check your tyre pressure at least once a month, and more frequently if there have been extreme temperature changes.

Watch out for ice and snow buildup

If the weather is extremely cold, then watch out for ice and snow buildup on your tyres. This can reduce traction and increase the risk of slipping or skidding while driving. Use a tyre brush or scraper to remove any accumulation before heading out on the road.

Choose pro-winter tyres

Consider using winter-specific tyres if you live in an area where you may experience more snow or colder weather. These tyres are designed to provide better traction and grip in slippery conditions. They may be more expensive than regular tyres, but they could end up saving you money in the long run by reducing the risk of accidents or other damage caused by driving on icy roads.

Conclusion

It’s important to take care of your tyres all year round, but especially in summer and when the weather can be more extreme. By following these tips, you can help prolong the life of your tyres and stay safe on the roads.

AP Autocare Tyre Services

For safety reasons, it is recommended that your tyres be checked by a garage every year, and this will form part of your annual MOT. If you are unsure about the condition of your tyres or if you want a tyre inspection AP Autocare offers this as a service. Checking the condition of your tyres includes them being checked for tread depths, uneven wear, damage to the tyres, or punctures by one of our experienced tyre technicians. Our service will also check the alignment of your tyres, and we will recommend a wheel alignment if your vehicle also needs one. Your wheels being unaligned will cause damage and additional wear to your tyres, so it is cost-effective to have it checked.

With the help of our professional, fully qualified technicians, we can assess and check your tyres for you and get your vehicle back on the road as soon as possible. At AP Autocare, we will source the exact tyres you need and match them with your existing ones. The installation of your new tyre or tyres will be included in the price of the new tyre, so you won’t have to worry about extra fees.

Good tyre condition and the correct tyre pressure will keep you safer on the roads and could potentially prevent you from needing more expensive tyre replacements in the future.

About AP Autocare Services

Our company has been operating for over 40 years, and we are known for being highly trusted and reputable as an independent MOT, repair, and service centre in Bristol. We are Bristol’s largest independent multi-manufacturer specialist.

Located within walking distance of Bristol City Centre and Temple Meads Train Station, we are the ideal place for your service, MOT, or repair if you work in the city centre or the surrounding areas. As an alternative to being without a car, we provide a courtesy car during your vehicle’s stay with us, or we can arrange a lift to work or home after you’ve dropped off your vehicle, or we can arrange a collection and delivery service.

Besides being friendly and professional, we offer highly competitive rates, with the skills of a main dealership without the associated costs.

AP Autocare offers services for all vehicles of any age and size, from small cars to light commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes (Class 7).

AP Autocare services include:

Brakes
Clutches
Engine Diagnostics and Repair
Winter Car Checks
Servicing (Annual and Interim Services)
MOT’s
Bodywork & Paint Repairs
Air Conditioning Servicing and repair
Tyres and Exhausts
Remapping
Suspension and Steering
Welding
Battery Testing and Replacement
Wheel Alignment
Tyre Replacement
Remapping