Introduction:
The summer heat can be tough on your car, including the tires. Tires are one of the most critical parts of your vehicle, but we often don’t think about them until there’s a problem. Unfortunately, when temperatures soar during the summer, you are at a greater risk of a tire blowout.
Here’s why,
Why are Tires More Susceptible to Blowouts in the Summer?
Heat can have a significant impact on tire pressure. When it’s hot outside, the air inside your tires expands, causing the pressure to increase. Scientists have found that tire pressure rises about one psi for every 10-degree increase in temperature.
While this doesn’t seem like much, if your tires are already inflated to the maximum amount, they can’t handle any more air and become at risk for a blowout. Even if it does not blow out, the excessive pressure can cause the tire to wear down faster and interfere with its braking ability.
Three things cause air pressure to rise in your tires:
Friction:
When you drive down the road, your tires constantly rub against the asphalt pavement creating friction. However, during the summer months, the pavement is hotter than usual, which can cause more friction and thus heat your tires faster.
Hot Molecules:
Just like everything else, tires are made up of atoms and molecules. When molecules in the tire heat up, they start to vibrate intensely, causing tire expansion.
Material:
The third reason has to do with the material tires are made of. The rubber used in tires is held together using a special bond called polymers. When polymers vibrate, they contract rather than expand, but everything eventually has a breaking point. Due to excessive heat, if the vibration is intense enough, it can cause the tire to fail.
Signs to Watch Out for to Prevent a Blowout
Are you at risk of a tire blowout?
Blowouts can happen any time of the year, but you’re at a higher risk for one in the summer.
Here are a few signs that say, “pull over and let them cool down.”
Tires Too Hot to Touch:
The most obvious sign that your tires are overheating is if they’re too hot to touch. If you can’t keep your hand on the tire for more than a couple of seconds, then it’s time to find a shady spot and let them cool down.
High Air Pressure:
Make sure to keep a tire pressure gauge in your glove box to check your tire pressure regularly. If you notice that the pressure is higher than usual, it’s a sign that your tires are overheating.
Do Not Rely on TPMS:
Many new cars come with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that warns the driver when tire pressure gets too low. However, your system won’t warn you if the pressure gets too high, which is why you have to check it manually with a tire pressure gauge.
How to Prevent Heat-Related Tire Blowout?
Whether you live in Eden, High Point, or any other city in North Carolina, safe driving begins with understanding the rules of the road and bringing your vehicle for a regular checkup at Tire Max Total Car Care, your trusted local auto repair shop.
Although there is nothing you can do about the heat, there are certain things you can do to help prevent a blowout during your next summer road trip:
Check Tire Pressure:
Measure the pressure in all four tires with a tire pressure gauge before hitting the road. Then, recheck them every couple of hours to ensure they haven’t lost any pressure. If you don’t have a tire pressure gauge, most gas stations will have one you can use for free.
Keep Them Inflated:
Safe driving requires that your tires have a certain amount of air. What’s considered proper air pressure varies depending on the vehicle and tire size. You can find this information in your car’s owner’s manual or a sticker on the driver’s door.
Note: Be careful not to confuse the tire’s maximum air pressure with its recommended pressure. The maximum is the most air the tire can hold without exploding, while the recommended is the amount of air needed to give the tire the best performance.
Do Not Drive Until Your Tires Cool Down:
You might think of letting a little air out of your tires to cool them down so you can continue driving, but trust us when we say it’s a bad idea.
If you let the air out, you risk driving on a flat tire, which could cause even more damage. The best thing to do is find a shady spot and wait for the tires to cool down on their own. Once they’re cool, check the pressure before getting back on the road.
Replace the Worn Out Tires:
If your tires are already worn out, they’re more likely to blow out in the summer heat. Instead, consider getting summer tires from Tire Max, the reliable tires shop in High Point, NC, since they’re designed to handle the heat better.
Read here for the important reasons to buy tires from the local tire shop.
Clean Your Tires and Wheels:
Treating your tires with a protectant can help prevent cracking and premature wear. You should also regularly clean your tires and wheels to remove any brake dust build-up, which can also cause cracking.
Do Not Drive too Fast:
The slower you drive, the cooler your tires will stay. We know it’s tempting to put the pedal to the metal on a long open road, but resist the urge and stick to the speed limit. Not only will it help keep your tires cool, but it could also save you from getting a speeding ticket.
Load Your Vehicle Properly:
Carrying around extra weight puts unnecessary strain on your tires and can cause them to overheat. If you’re carrying a lot of cargo, evenly distribute the weight in your trunk or backseat. You might even want to consider removing some items if you’re overloaded.
Get Them Inspected Regularly:
Even if you take all the necessary precautions, inspecting them at a professional tires shop is still a good idea. They can check for any signs of wear and tear and let you know if it’s time for a replacement.
With some preparation, you can easily avoid a blowout and have a safe and enjoyable summer road trip.
Stop by Tire Max Total Car Care if you have any questions or need help getting your car ready for the summer heat. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to assist you.
