Share:

Summer heat in Missouri is often strongest on dark pavement like highways and parking lots. Stepping on these surfaces with your bare feet would be painful; driving or parking your car on hot cement can have a similar impact on rubber tires. Here are a few examples of the damage heat can cause and how to protect your tires.

3 Effects of Summer Heat on Tires

1. Increased Friction

When you hit the brakes, your car relies on the friction between tires and the road to come to a halt. The hotter the pavement is, the faster this friction will wear down tires’ rubber treads. Reckless driving increases the chances for “burning rubber” via quick accelerations and more frequent stops. The best way to protect your tires from unnecessary wear is to drive at or under the speed limit and leave ample space between you and the car in front of you.

2. Pressure Changestires

Contact with hot pavement causes the air inside tires to expand, increasing their pressure. Once tire pressure becomes too high, you risk a dangerous blowout on the road. During the summer, make it a habit to check your tire pressure (or PSI) biweekly to ensure it always reflects the level recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Hint: Recommended PSI levels can usually be found in the user manual or on the sticker inside the driver’s door.

3. Cracks

Excessive heat can zap moisture from the rubber on your tires, eventually drying them out and leading to cracks and premature wear. Get the most out of your investment by routinely washing your tires to remove dirt and grime. Then, coat them with a heat protectant. These solutions return moisture to the rubber and help maintain tire integrity — even on the hottest days.

 

Do you need assistance with your car maintenance this summer? In addition to their wide selection of tires for sale, H & S Tire & Auto Center in Wentzville, MO, specializes in affordable diagnostic and inspection services of the utmost quality. From wheel alignment to brake repair, their auto repair team has a combined 70 years of knowledge and experience to keep your vehicle running its best. To schedule service with these fully licensed and insured mechanics, call (636) 327-5225 today. For a free estimate, stop by their Napa Auto Care Center shop. Learn more about their services online.

tracking