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It is no secret that temperature affects how your tires drive on the road. You have likely read our past blogs about how winter weather and icy conditions can make driving less than ideal. Now, it is time to learn about how the ruthless summer heat can also cause problems for you and your passengers in the months ahead. Here are the THREE ways that the rising temperatures can make your drive dangerous this summer…

 

Heat Can Affect Tire Pressure

 

It is important to check the tire pressure of your tires routinely (as it is at any other part of the year). The summer heat will cause your tire pressure to increase. Coupled with this, the roadways that you drive on will also be hot causing your tires to become even warmer than when you began your drive. The built-up pressure mixed with the heat will cause your hot tires to blowout if they are pushed to their brink. Be cognizant of your tire pressure, the temperatures outside, and how these two factors can create unsafe conditions for you in the miles ahead. (Helpful hint: If you are not sure what the baseline pressure is for your specific tire, check your door jamb on the inside of your driver’s door.) 

 

Tire Degradation Due to Summer Heat

 

Have you ever wondered what comes together to make your tires flexible to be able to move effortlessly along the road? These are made up of natural oils through both natural and synthetic rubber compounds. With that being said, the heat of the summer and the friction created by the road will eventually eat away at your tires. This makes your tires brittle. Eventually, this leads to splits, cracks, and leaks which makes your more susceptible for a tire blowout. If you are looking for a technical term for this, some refer to it as “heat rot” or “weather rot.” This is detected by checking your tires for missing chunks of rubber where the tread meets the inner liner. Highland Tire can help you diagnose this summer tire condition.  

 

High Temperatures Impact Ability to Brake/Turn

 

The summer heat can cause roadways to become “sticky” depending on the type of material that was used to pave it. This creates issues for drivers when it comes time to break and turn. Drivers may experience skidding due to loss of grip on the road. Alongside of this, they may need advanced braking for turns and other stops to ensure they are able to brake effectively.  

It’s early in the summer season, however, the high temperatures are on their way and it is important to be prepared. Remember to check your tire pressure, stay vigilant of your tire’s health, and give yourself ample time for braking and turning.  

Call us today if you need new tires for the summer months.