Your vehicle’s tires are very susceptible to the changing of the seasons. Just as the cold weather during the winter decreases tire pressure, during the hot summer your tire pressure actually increases.

The increase in tire pressure is due to two factors. The first being that during the summer time there is much more humidity and moisture in the air. This excess moisture can cause tires to swell. Even on not-so-humid days, high temperatures cause the air molecules inside your tires to vibrate and push against the walls of the tires, causing them to expand. There’s your science lesson for the day!

Throw on top of that heat can be a contributing factor to dry rot and that the increased heat and friction between rubber tires and asphalt and it’s no wonder tire blowouts typically increase during the summer time.

Protection and prevention are key to avoiding any untimely incidents or accidents while driving during the summer. Apart from being an attentive and cautious driver (which you should always be) here are a few ways you can protect your tires from the effects of summer heat.

Don’t drive on bad tires

YOU SHOULD NEVER DRIVE ON BAD TIRES! However, this is particularly relevant during blisteringly hot summer days. Tires that are lacking tread are more vulnerable to punctures and blowouts already, but they also require more force and friction to break successfully. Add to that the increased heat and friction from the hot asphalt and hot tires and balding tires are at even more risk.

Let your tires cool

If you think you can cheat the heat by manually letting air out of your tires to counterbalance the pressure increase, think again. This is actually dangerously irresponsible, but it won’t be effective. Low-pressure tires are just as at risk as high-pressure tires. All you are doing is making your tires more vulnerable to punctures or blowouts.

Rather than taking the air out, just wait for them to cool off before you head out. Giving your tires time to cool off will help them normalize to their normal tire pressure.

Park in the shade

Whether you are out and about running errands or coming home from work, do your best to park your car somewhere that is in the shade and out of direct sunlight. When you are looking for a spot, find a tree or a garage for some protection.

Parking in the shade will decrease the time it takes for your tires to cool off and get you safely back about your day faster.

Don’t wait to change your tires if they’ve seen better days. Bring your vehicle into Raben Tire and we will get you set up with a new set of tires for safer summer driving. You can also use our tire search tool to find the right tire before you even come through the door.