Between extreme heat and increased number of road trips, your vehicle’s tires are put through a lot during the summer months. Without the necessary maintenance, they can go flat or blow out on the road. However, if you follow these helpful tips, you minimize those risks and ensure your set is ready to handle the summer stress.

How Can You Maintain Your Wheels in the Summer?

1. Install

Certain sets of wheels are designed to better handle specific seasons. The best one for the summer season is a performance set. The mix of rubber and fillers that comprise their tread compound contain sticky additives.

This gives you more road grip in summer showers, but the wheels are still stiff enough that they maintain their shape in hot conditions. A performance set provides more stability during cornering, braking, and accelerating in summer conditions.

2. Measure 

Worn down tread on the wheels reduces the amount of grip and creates dangerous driving conditions, especially during summer showers. The ideal wheel will have a tread that’s at least 5/32” or deeper.

The easiest way to check this is with the penny test. Place a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, the tread is wearing thin and should be replaced.

3. Monitor 

During the hotter summer months, the air inside of the tires expands and causes the tire pressure to increase one pound per square inch (PSI) for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit rise in temperature.

Measure the PSI before any trip to prevent a blowout and maintain fuel efficiency. Use an air pressure gauge to check the PSI and ensure it’s at the manufacturer’s recommended level.

4. Rotate 

As you drive, certain parts of the tires wear down quicker than others, and that creates unstable handling. Rotating them ensures they wear down evenly, provides better handling, and prolongs their life.

This should be done every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. It’s also recommended to have them balanced at the same time to prevent wobbling and vibrations while driving.

5. Spray

These solutions don’t just make the vehicle look amazing, but they also provide extra protection during the hot summer months. The heat dries out the rubber, which makes them more brittle and prone to failure. Protectant sprays penetrate the rubber exterior and douse the area in moisture, so they can handle the extreme temperatures better.

 

Make sure your tires are prepared to handle the summer strain by taking your vehicle to Kettering-Oakwood Automotive. As one of the most reliable and trusted mechanics in Dayton, OH, their highly-trained team of technicians has the experience and tools needed to ensure your whole vehicle is properly serviced and operating at peak efficiency. Call to schedule an appointment at (937) 299-2468, or check out some of their positive reviews online.