Heat's Affect on Tires

Each year, we’re experiencing warmer summers with near unbearable temperatures. What’s that mean for tires? Hot temperatures and tires don’t mix well and can negatively impact your safety. Hot weather can weaken your tires and lead to failure. I know we all want a perfect 90-degree beach day, but that means roughly 150 degrees on the pavement. Not to mention, tire pressure can increase by up to 5 psi in the first half hour of driving. So getting there might be tough if you don’t take proper care of your tires.

Here are some tips to keep your tires safe during hot summer weather:

Check Tire Pressure

Just as tire pressure increases in heat, it can also decrease in a cool garage. So it’s vitally important to make sure your tire pressure is right where it needs to be to stay safer, and provide your car the best handling and performance as possible. Underinflated tires heat up quicker; combine that fact with hot pavement and overloading your car for lengthy trips, and your dream vacation can soon become a nightmare.

How Do I Know My Tire’s Proper Inflation?

It’s simple! It’s found in your owner’s manual or on the driver’s side door jamb! Don’t be fooled by what’s stamped on the side of the tire. That’s simply the maximum allowable tire pressure in conjunction with its weight carrying capacity, and since you just learned that pressure could increase in hot heat, then it might not be safe to inflate your tires to their maximum pressure if you’re headed on a long drive.

Watch for Potholes and Load Capacity

If you’re filling up the car to help a friend move, or even filling it up with people for a road trip vacation, it’s wise to know your pressure and tread depth to make sure you can stop and steer as well as you’re supposed to. And drive smart; increased temperatures and fast, reckless driving can affect your safety by taking quick corners and panic stopping. And we all hate potholes, no matter the time of year. Extreme temperatures can either slowly release air from a leak, or your tire can blow out altogether.

If you’re heading on a summer road trip, or even if you drive to work every day, be sure to check your tire pressure once a month to make sure you get where you’re going safely. And have a great summer!