Tire maintenance & safety
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Last updated 4/30/2025 - Originally published 9/28/2020
Written by SimpleTire, Expertly reviewed by Brett Antosh
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, many vehicle owners eagerly anticipate summer road trips and adventures. However, it's crucial not to overlook the importance of properly preparing your tires for the challenges that come with warmer weather.
Summer driving conditions can be particularly tough on tires due to increased temperatures and extended periods of use during long journeys. Heat causes the air inside tires to expand, leading to potential overinflation, while hot pavement can accelerate tread wear.
By taking proactive steps to prepare your tires for summer, you can significantly enhance your vehicle's safety, performance, and overall driving experience. Proper tire maintenance not only helps prevent accidents and breakdowns but also extends the life of your tires, saving you money in the long run.
Why Prepare Your Tires for Summer Driving?
Summer driving presents unique challenges for tires—the combination of high temperatures, long road trips, and occasional heavy loads can take a toll on even the most durable tires. As the mercury rises, the heat causes the air inside your tires to expand, potentially leading to overinflation if not monitored regularly. Additionally, hot pavement can soften tire rubber, accelerating tread wear and increasing the risk of blowouts or tread separation.
Properly preparing your tires for summer driving is essential for ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on the road. By taking proactive measures such as checking tire pressure, inspecting tread depth, and keeping your tires cool, you can significantly enhance your vehicle's handling, braking performance, and overall stability. Moreover, well-maintained tires are less likely to suffer from punctures or other heat-related damage, reducing the chances of unexpected breakdowns during your summer adventures.
Investing time in tire preparation not only promotes safety but also helps extend the life of your tires. Regular maintenance, such as rotations and proper inflation, ensures even wear across all four tires, maximizing their longevity. This, in turn, saves you money by delaying the need for premature replacements. Furthermore, optimal tire condition contributes to improved fuel efficiency, as underinflated or worn tires require more energy to roll, leading to increased fuel consumption.
1. Check Tire Pressure Regularly
Ensuring your tires have the correct air pressure is vital for optimal vehicle performance during the summer. When temperatures soar, tire pressure can rise, potentially leading to overinflation. This can compromise traction and increase the possibility of tire damage.
For accurate tire pressure maintenance, use a dependable tire pressure gauge. This tool helps confirm that your tires are set to the manufacturer's recommended PSI, a specification usually found in your vehicle's manual or on the door jamb. It's important to check your tire pressure monthly, ideally when tires are cool, to maintain peak driving conditions.
Before embarking on a long summer trip, an additional pressure check is advisable. Extended travel and added vehicle load can affect tire pressure, so verifying your tires are properly inflated is key. Remember, tire pressure can change with temperature shifts—about one PSI for every ten degrees. Regular monitoring ensures that your tires perform efficiently, providing you with a safe and smooth ride.
2. Inspect Tire Tread
Tire tread plays a crucial role in maintaining traction and safety, especially during summer's unpredictable weather patterns. As you prepare for summer driving, checking the tread depth on your tires ensures they are ready to handle both dry and wet conditions effectively. Adequate tread depth is essential for channeling water away from the tire, reducing the risk of hydroplaning during sudden summer showers.
To assess your tire tread, the penny test offers a straightforward method. Place a penny into the tread grooves with Lincoln's head facing down. If the top of his head is visible, it's a sign that your tread depth is insufficient and new tires are needed. This test helps confirm that your tires maintain proper grip on the road, providing better handling and shorter stopping distances.
In addition to tread depth, inspect the tread for signs of irregular wear or damage, such as cuts or bulges. These issues can compromise your vehicle's stability and performance. Regular checks allow for early detection of potential problems, enabling timely rotations or replacements. By ensuring your tires have the right tread, you enhance your vehicle's safety and performance, preparing it for any summer adventure.
3. Rotate Your Tires
Tire rotation plays a crucial role in maintaining the lifespan and performance of your tires. Each tire on your vehicle experiences wear at different rates due to varying loads and driving dynamics. By rotating your tires, you ensure that the wear is evenly distributed, which is vital for preserving tread life and optimizing vehicle handling.
Follow the recommended rotation pattern for your specific vehicle type, as outlined in the owner's manual. This practice helps your tires wear evenly, minimizing the risk of developing uneven tread patterns. Consistent rotation not only prolongs tire life but also enhances your vehicle's overall performance, contributing to a safer and more comfortable driving experience.
Incorporating regular tire rotations into your maintenance schedule is a cost-effective way to prevent premature tire wear. Evenly worn tires support better traction and fuel efficiency, making each drive smoother and more economical. By keeping up with this routine, you prepare your vehicle for the demands of summer driving, ensuring reliability and safety on the road.
4. Keep Tires Cool
Keeping your tires cool during the summer months is essential for maintaining their integrity and performance. Hot weather can lead to increased stress on the tire's structure, which may affect its durability. This stress can result in accelerated wear, posing potential safety hazards and impacting the vehicle's handling.
One effective way to mitigate heat exposure is to park your vehicle in the shade whenever possible. Parking in shaded areas reduces the direct sunlight your tires receive, helping to maintain a more stable internal temperature. This simple step can significantly extend the life of your tires by preventing excessive heat buildup that leads to accelerated wear and tear.
In addition to seeking shade, consider using tire covers if your vehicle will be stationary for extended periods. These covers help block harmful UV rays, further protecting the rubber from degradation. By taking these precautions, you ensure that your tires remain in top condition, ready to handle the demands of summer driving with confidence and safety.
5. Check Tire Age and Condition
Regularly examining your tires for signs of aging and wear is essential for safe summer driving. Over time, tires can exhibit various indicators of deterioration, such as weathered surfaces or deformities, which may not be immediately obvious. It's crucial to identify any unusual marks or structural changes that could suggest compromised safety. These might include small cracks or bulges that can develop from prolonged exposure to environmental factors.
The age of your tires is a significant factor in their overall reliability. As tires grow older, the materials can degrade, affecting their flexibility and performance. Even if the tread appears adequate, aging can impact the tire's internal structure. It's advisable to replace tires that have surpassed six years of use, as older tires may not provide the necessary safety margins. You can verify the tire's age by checking the sidewall for the date code, which indicates the week and year of manufacture.
Incorporating routine professional assessments into your tire maintenance schedule helps uncover any hidden concerns that might not be visible to the untrained eye. Tire experts have the skills to assess both the visible and internal condition of tires, ensuring your vehicle's road readiness. By prioritizing tire age and condition, you contribute to the overall safety and dependability of your vehicle, particularly during the demands of summer travel.
Tips on Ensuring Safe Summer Driving
Ensuring a smooth and safe summer driving experience involves thorough preparation and readiness for unexpected situations. Equipping your vehicle with essential tools is a fundamental step in this process. Having a comprehensive tire repair kit at your disposal can make all the difference when you're out on the road. An ideal kit should contain a spare tire, a reliable jack, and the necessary tools for quick tire changes. This preparedness minimizes downtime and allows you to handle minor inconveniences with ease.
1. Keep a Tire Maintenance Kit for Emergencies
A well-prepared tire maintenance kit is indispensable for addressing unforeseen issues. This kit should not only include a spare tire and jack but also a tire iron and a portable air pump. These tools enable you to address common tire problems swiftly, ensuring you can continue your journey with minimal delay. Additionally, including a tire sealant can prove useful for temporary fixes, allowing you to reach a service station for comprehensive repairs. Familiarity with your kit's components and their use is crucial, as it enhances your ability to manage emergencies effectively.
Regularly inspect your spare tire and maintenance kit to confirm their readiness. A tire patch kit can also be a valuable addition, offering a temporary solution for small punctures. By maintaining your kit and understanding how to use it, you enhance your vehicle's reliability during summer adventures.
2. Plan Regular Inspections with a Professional
Alongside personal checks, scheduling routine inspections with a qualified mechanic ensures your vehicle operates at peak performance. Professionals possess the expertise to identify issues that might escape casual observation, such as subtle signs of wear or alignment discrepancies. These inspections can catch potential problems early, preventing them from escalating into major concerns.
During these evaluations, mechanics can also examine other vital vehicle components that influence tire function, such as the suspension system or braking mechanisms. By adhering to a regular inspection schedule, you mitigate the risk of unexpected breakdowns and enjoy a safer, more comfortable driving experience throughout the summer. This proactive approach safeguards your travels, providing peace of mind while you explore new destinations.
As you embark on your summer adventures, remember that a little tire preparation goes a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey. By following these essential tips and staying vigilant, you can confidently navigate the roads and make the most of your summer travels. When it's time to replace your tires or find the perfect set for your vehicle, shop for tires online with us at SimpleTire, where we offer a wide selection and the best deals to keep you rolling smoothly all summer long.