Most people associate summer with the beach and happy hour on family vacations. But your tires have a different experience in the summer. While your tires won’t melt due to the heat, they can be damaged. Read on to learn how to prevent a tire blowout this summer and what to do if your tire is damaged.
At What Temperature Do Tires Melt?
There is a common misconception that tires will melt in hot weather. But even the hottest climates don’t melt tires. Tires are vulcanized, which means they go through a chemical process that binds rubber molecules to sulfur, making the rubber stronger and more durable. As a result, it is impossible for a tire to melt back into its original compound, just as it is impossible to bake bread well.
What Will the Summer Heat Do to Your Tires?
For every 10°F increase in temperature, tire pressure increases by 1 PSI (pounds per square inch). For every 10°F drop in temperature, tire pressure decreases by about 1 PSI. In addition, tires may also be reduced by about 1 PSI per month.
Even if tires don’t melt into stuffy rubber, they have to be serviced in the summer. Since tires can experience hotter temperatures, it’s crucial to ensure that the cold inflation pressure is set correctly throughout the year. Too much tire pressure can make tires more susceptible to punctures and punctures.
Why Are Tires More Prone to Punctures in the Summer?
When the weather suddenly gets colder, the low tire pressure warning light may illuminate, reminding you to check your tire pressure. However, in the summer – especially if you don’t check your tires every month – the tire pressure may be low, but not enough to trigger the gauge light. Without this warning, driving on low-pressure tires can cause low-pressure tires to bend, which generates more heat, creating a risk and potentially leading to a puncture.
What Are the Best Tires for Hot Climates?
The best tires for hot climates are summer tires or all-season tires because they are designed to withstand high temperatures and maintain tread life. For example, if a tire blows out on a sweltering road, Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus tires and their Coolfin sidewall technology help withstand the heat. Winter tires, on the other hand, are designed for extremely cold weather, so they may wear out faster at high temperatures than all-season tires.
Tips for Using Summer Tires
Be careful that the tire pressure is insufficient
Since hot weather increases tire pressure, it’s reasonable to ask, “What should be the tire pressure on a hot day?” “Some drivers may think it’s safe to under-inflate tires during the hot months because hot air raises tire pressure. This is a dangerous assumption. Under-inflated tires are definitely not a good idea, especially in the summer.
Without proper air pressure, the internal components of the tire, such as steel, composites, and rubber, will bend more. As a result, tires may suffer internal damage, generate more heat, become more brittle, and be more prone to punctures.
Always follow the tire pressure recommended by the car manufacturer. Use the pressure gauge tool before driving and when the tires are cooling Check the tire pressure to make sure it meets the manufacturer’s recommendations. Release or add air as needed.
If you’re driving long distances in extremely hot weather, it’s always a good idea to check your tire pressure when you park. However, you should never release tire pressure to alleviate the rise in pressure due to heat build-up during driving. If you do this, your tires may be under-inflated as they cool down, increasing the likelihood of tire heat build-up and punctures.
Pay attention to tire wear and damage
If you notice that your tires are cracked, blistered, bulging, or overworn, you should stop and wait for your tires to cool down before heading to the nearest garage for a tire inspection. Driving a damaged tire in the summer heat increases the likelihood of a puncture, especially if the tire is overheated. If the tires don’t look safe, replace the spare tire or call a tow truck for help.
Prevention Is Key When Dealing with Tires and Summer Heat
You can take steps to prevent a summer puncture, such as equipping your vehicle with summer or all-season tires and making sure the tire pressure is correct. Additionally, frequently checking for signs of tread wear and tire damage can help you spot tire problems before it’s too late.
If your tire is punctured, we recommend using Bridgestone DriveGuard Plus all-season run-flat tires to maximize your driving potential. The DriveGuard Plus tire features a sidewall structure designed with nano expertise that acts as a support ring. If the air pressure runs out, this support ring will begin to support your vehicle. Explosion protection technology also allows you to travel up to 50 miles at speeds of up to 50 mph, so that if your tires lose air pressure due to punctures, you can still reach the tire repair center safely.
In addition, DriveGuard Plus run-flat tires are designed to minimize heat build-up. The sidewall design of the heatsink helps to redistribute heat and prevents heat from concentrating. They also feature an enhanced bead core that reduces heat generation if a puncture loses air pressure, reducing the likelihood of heat build-up.
What to Do if the Tires Are Damaged
If you find nails or screws on your tires, your tires may still be able to hold on. Depending on the location and size of the damage, our technicians may be able to repair your tire. However, if the internal structural elements of the tire fail, or if the tire has blisters and bubbles, replacing the tire is usually the best option, as this damage cannot be repaired.