A key deadline for vehicle owners is approaching at the end of April.

Transport Canada requires studded tires to be removed by April 30, and Fountain Tire Portage la Prairie owner Justin Clarke says many motorists have begun surging in for tire changeover as the warm weather appears to be here to stay.

Because of the warmer temperatures, Clarke says the time for switching other types of winter treads, not just studded tires, is now, in order to avoid unnecessary wear.

"Winter tires have a much softer rubber compound," he explains. "They're built and designed to operate in colder temperatures. Once we get above 7 C, you're just wearing them way faster."

Winter temperatures that approach -40 C take a toll on any vehicle, Clarke adds. Aside from tire changeover, routine spring maintenance including checking lines, hoses and belts is important to ensure your vehicle is operating properly after winter use.

"When it's that cold out, it wears on everything basically," he says. "You're going to want to check air filters, belts and air conditioning to make sure your car is ready to go for spring."