Proper care for your tires doesn’t end with changing your tires on time. Keeping up with maintenance and care can extend the life of your tires, saving you money in the long run. To help extend the life of your tires (and save you money), here are 8 tire care tips every driver should know.

1) Switch to Winter Tires Early (and Remove Them on Time)

Once temperatures consistently drop below 7°C, be sure to switch to winter tires. Winter tires provide better grip on cold, wet or icy roads, even before the snow falls. But also remember to remove your winter tires on time. Leaving them on too long in spring can cause faster wear because softer rubber degrades quickly on warm pavement.

2) Check Tire Pressure More Often in Cold Weather

Cold weather causes the air in your tires to shrink, meaning your tires can lose pressure without you even realizing it. Driving on underinflated tires makes them wear out faster, reduces grip on winter roads, and can shorten the life of your tires. In other words, a quick tire pressure check could save you money–and help keep you safer behind the wheel.

3) Rotate Tires Regularly

Winter roads can put a different type of stress on each tire, which means some tires can wear down faster than others. Rotating your tires every 8,000 to 10,000 km helps spread that wear more evenly, so all four tires last longer and perform better–especially when you need reliable grip the most.

4) Avoid Aggressive Driving on Snow and Ice

Hard braking, rapid acceleration, and sharp cornering grinds down tread faster in winter. Smooth, steady driving protects both traction and tread depth.

Related: From Old Tires To New Products: Understanding the Life Cycle of a Tire in BC

5) Clean Tires and Wheels Throughout the Season

Road salt, grit, and de-icing chemicals can degrade rubber and corrode wheels. Giving your tires a quick rinse every few weeks can help to prevent long-term damage.

6) Check Tire Tread Depth Regularly

The tread on your tires is what helps you grip snowy and icy roads. If it gets too worn down, your tires can’t do their job properly. Checking tread depth regularly helps you spot problems early, avoid unsafe driving conditions, and replace tires only when truly needed.

7) Store Off-Season Tires Properly

When your tires aren’t in use, where and how you store them matters. Keeping tires in a cool, dry, dark place protects the rubber from cracking and drying out. Poor storage can quietly ruin good tires, meaning you may have to replace them sooner than expected.

8) Repair Punctures Promptly

A small puncture might not seem urgent, but cold winter temperatures can make it worse over time. Fixing minor damage right away helps keep your tires safe, extends their life, and prevents perfectly usable tires from needing to be replaced too early.

And when your tires are done and ready to toss, be sure to recycle them for free at a location near you. Find a tire recycling location in your area here.