Checking your tires is crucial in the summer, especially before taking a road trip. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that tire failure causes approximately 11,000 crashes a year. The most common cause of failure includes tread separations, blowouts, bald tires and under-inflated tires.
Tire pressure should be checked monthly. This is really important in hot weather because tire pressure increases approximately one pound for every rise in temperature of 10°F. So, tires that were at 35 psi in the winter could be pushing 45 pounds on a hot July day. Under some conditions that increase in pressure could blow the tire! Plus, a tire that’s overinflated will wear prematurely and cause the vehicle to handle and brake poorly.
Long trips also mean that there will be more friction on tires. Driving produces friction between the tires and the road. Friction produces heat, which increases tire pressure. Check the tire pressure BEFORE you start driving distances. If the recommended pressure is 35 PSI, for example, it means 35 PSI before you start driving. If you check the tire pressure when you stopto get gas two hours later, it will be much higher than 35 PSI and you will not have a correct measurement. If you would let out air at this point, then the tires will actually be under inflated.
Don’t confuse the “maximum tire pressure” listed on the sidewall of the tire with the “recommended tire pressure” provided by the manufacturer of the vehicle. While it’s okay to inflate your tires to the “maximum tire pressure” number, “Recommended tire pressure” is the ideal pressure you want in your tires. If you’re carrying an extra heavy load, follow the recommendation for “heavy loads,” which is usually listed in the vehicle manual. Also, don’t rely on pressure gauges built into the gas station air pumps. It is worth getting an accurate, dial-type gauge to keep in your vehicle.
If you’re due for new tires, stop by to check out our SUMMER TIRE SPECIALS.
