As temperatures rise across the country, now is the ideal time to swap your winter tires for summer or all-season rubber. Driving on winter tires in warm conditions accelerates tread wear and reduces handling performance, costing you money and safety.

Start by inspecting your summer tires for cracks, bulges, and tread depth. The penny test remains a reliable quick check—if you can see the top of Lincoln's head, it's time for new tires. Also verify that your tire pressure monitoring system reads correctly after the swap.

For those storing winter tires, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Stacking them horizontally or hanging them on wall-mounted racks prevents flat spots from forming during the off-season months.