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Excessive heat can wreak havoc on your vehicle, including the car tires. In hot weather, they become more susceptible to blowouts and other types of damage. Here’s a closer look at how high temperatures impact tires.

How Does Heat Affect Car Tires?

The air pressure in your tires naturally increases as temperatures rise, causing the tires to expand and become overinflated. Improper inflation makes handling and braking more difficult and increases the risk of blowouts. You may also experience reduced fuel economy.

The rubber compounds in your car tires contain natural oils to keep them flexible and provide traction on the road. However, excessive heat tends to dry out the oils. This causes the rubber to become brittle, and tire sidewalls may start to crack and fall off in chunks, making them unsafe for road use.

Hot temperatures also affect your car tire’s outer band of treads and inner liner. Both are made of rubber and are stuck together during the manufacturing process. Heat can cause these two layers to separate, which can have an impact on handling capability.

How to Reduce Its Effects

Monitor & Adjust Tire Pressure

car tiresUnder- or over-inflation can damage your tires. Check the pressure before heading out or in the morning to get an accurate reading. If it’s higher or lower than the recommended PSI indicated on the sidewall, adjust accordingly. 

Check for Signs of Wear

Balding or worn tires are more likely to pop because they produce more friction and heat when driving. Combined with improper inflation, the chances of a blowout are higher. If you notice considerable wear, you may need to replace the tires.  

Park Under Shade 

Prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat hastens dry rotting on your car tires and increases pressure. Whenever possible, keep the vehicle in a covered or shaded area.

 

If heat has damaged your car tires, contact M & C Tire in Kalispell, MT. Since 1979, they’ve offered quality auto repair and maintenance services, including auto alignment, tire rotations, and installation of new tires to customers throughout Kalispell, White Fish, Columbia Falls, Big Fork, Lakeside, and Somers. Call (406) 752-9662 to schedule an appointment or view their full list of services online.

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