As the summer season approaches, many vehicle owners eagerly anticipate road trips and outdoor adventures. However, the increased temperatures and long drives can take a toll on your tires. Proper pre-summer tire maintenance is crucial to ensure safety, performance, and longevity. This month’s blog post explores how summer travel and weather affect tires, common issues related to tire maintenance in the summer, and tips to keep your tires in top condition.
How Summer Travel and Weather Affect Tires
Summer heat can significantly impact your tires in several ways:
- Increased Tire Pressure: As temperatures rise, the air inside your tires expands, leading to higher tire pressure. Your tire pressure can increase by 1 PSI (pound per square inch) for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit increase in temperature. Overinflated tires can lead to uneven wear and a higher risk of blowouts.
- Heat-Induced Wear: The hot pavement can cause tires to wear out faster. The rubber materials that tires are made of will soften on hotter surfaces, making them more vulnerable to potential damage and/or wear and tear.
- Long-Distance Driving: If you are driving long-distances for a length of time, the friction from the travel can accentuate wear on the tires, and you run a higher risk of damage or tire failure.
Common Summer Tire Maintenance Issues
- Underinflation and Overinflation: Both underinflated and overinflated tires can cause problems. Underinflated tires can lead to increased rolling resistance, reducing fuel efficiency and causing uneven wear. If your tires are overinflated, you will have a rough ride and there’s a higher chance of a blowout on the road.
- Tread Wear: Summer driving can accelerate tread wear, especially if tires are not rotated regularly. Good tread health is vital to road traction, especially on wet surfaces.
- Heat Damage: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause the rubber to degrade, leading to cracks and dry rot.
- Alignment Issues: Many drivers associate potholes with winter driving, but potholes exist year-round. Driving into potholes can easily cause alignment issues with the vehicle, resulting in uneven wear and tear on the tires.
Tips for Proper Summer Tire Maintenance
- Regularly Check Tire Pressure: Monitor your tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Use a reliable tire gauge to ensure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. If you have been driving and the tires are warm, wait until they cool down before checking tire pressure for the most accurate reading.
- Inspect Tread Depth: Ensure your tires have adequate tread depth. Too often drivers wait until tread depth is dangerous, and this poses a safety concern. Purchasing an inexpensive tire tread depth gauge can help you easily assess your tire wear.
- Rotate Tires: Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to promote even wear. Rotation is a great practice to extend the life of the tires and ensure even wear on all tires.
- Check for Damage: Regularly inspect your tires for signs of damage, such as cracks, bulges, or punctures.
- Maintain Proper Alignment: Have your vehicle’s alignment checked and adjusted if necessary.
- Avoid Overloading: Do not exceed your vehicle’s load capacity.
By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure your tires are ready to handle the demands of summer travel. Proper tire care not only enhances safety and performance but also extends the lifespan of your tires, saving you money in the long run. So, before you embark on your next summer adventure, take the time to give your tires the attention they deserve. If you would like a full tire inspection and maintenance, contact the service professionals at Car Kings to schedule an appointment.