The weather is warmer and it’s time to see how your vehicle survived the winter. Spring is a great time to make those repairs, check those fluid levels and see how the winter has treated your tires. Your tires are something you can check and maintain, even if you aren’t mechanically inclined.

The first thing to do is check the pressure. You should do this every couple of weeks and before road trips. If you don’t check your tire pressure on a regular basis, spring is a good time to start.

First, you need to determine the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) for the tire. This can be found on the tire or in the owner’s manual. To check the pressure, you will need a tire gauge. Most pressure gauges you can buy today are digital and easy to read. Unscrew the cap on the tire stem and put on the pressure gauge. If it reads “35 psi,” that means the tire requires 35 pounds of pressure per square inch.

If air is needed to reach the recommend PSI, add air to the tire until you reach that number…BUT DON’T OVER INFLATE IT. Under inflated tires have greater friction with the road, which causes your vehicle to work harder. A vehicle that works harder uses more gas and costs more money.

Next, check your tires for wear; a worn tire is smooth. Hopefully, your tires are not completely bald. But, if they do still have some tread, is it enough? A way to check wear is to reach into your pocket, take out a penny and place it into the tire’s groove, with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing toward you. If you can see the top of “honest Abe’s” head, it’s time to go shopping for new tires.

The way you drive affects your tires. To ensure they last as long as possible, keep these things in mind. Driving at high speeds generates heat and will reduce the life of the tread. It’s also important to consider what you encounter on the road. Avoid going over potholes and hitting curbs when you turn. Also keep an eye out for road kill. They may already be flattened, but don’t run over those unfortunate critters.

Another way to extend the life of your tires is to rotate them. By rotating your tires, you allow them to wear more evenly. A good rule of thumb is to have them rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.

Spring means the flowers are blooming and the weather is warmer. Take the time to make sure your vehicle is operating at its peak. By taking care of your tires, you can make sure it runs its best from the ground up.