As temperatures rise, your car’s tires face extra stress from hot pavement, longer drives, and increased air pressure fluctuations. Neglecting tire maintenance in hot weather can lead to blowouts, uneven wear, and poor fuel efficiency. Regular tire care helps keep you safe, improves performance, and extends the lifespan of your tires. Here’s why routine tire maintenance is essential during warm weather.
1. Prevents Blowouts and Flat Tires
Hot weather causes air inside your tires to expand, increasing pressure. Overinflated tires are more prone to blowouts, while underinflated tires create excess heat and wear faster.
- Check tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips.
- Adjust air pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (found in the owner’s manual or driver’s side door frame).
- Avoid overinflating, as heat naturally raises tire pressure throughout the day.
2. Improves Fuel Efficiency
Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which forces your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Keeping your tires properly inflated can:
- Improve gas mileage by up to 3%.
- Reduce strain on the engine and transmission.
- Help you save money at the pump, especially during long summer road trips.
3. Ensures Better Traction and Handling
High temperatures can make road surfaces slick with oil buildup, increasing the risk of skidding. Worn-out or improperly inflated tires reduce traction and braking efficiency, making it harder to control your vehicle.
- Check tire tread depth regularly to ensure safe grip on the road.
- Replace tires if the tread depth is below 2/32 of an inch (use the penny test—if you can see Lincoln’s head, your tread is too low).
- Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles to ensure even wear.
4. Extends Tire Lifespan
Heat accelerates tire wear, especially if your tires are improperly inflated or misaligned. Routine maintenance helps:
- Prevent premature tread wear and sidewall damage.
- Ensure even distribution of weight on all four tires.
- Reduce the need for early tire replacements, saving you money in the long run.
5. Reduces the Risk of Steering and Suspension Issues
Unevenly worn or unbalanced tires can cause vibrations, pulling, or difficulty steering, which affects the entire suspension system. Regular checks include:
- Aligning your wheels to prevent pulling to one side.
- Balancing tires to avoid vibrations and uneven stress on suspension components.
- Checking for cracks, bulges, or embedded objects that could lead to slow leaks or sudden failures.
Final Thoughts
Regular tire maintenance in hot weather helps prevent blowouts, improve fuel efficiency, ensure better handling, and extend tire life. Checking pressure, inspecting tread wear, and keeping your tires properly balanced and rotated can keep your car running safely all summer long. If it’s been a while since your last tire inspection, schedule a check-up now to avoid issues on the road.