Despite their strength and durability, tires are vulnerable to the surrounding atmosphere. Extreme heat and extreme cold can both impact air pressures inside the tires. If you want to make sure your tire lasts this summer, the tips below will help tire wear, pressure, and rotation.
Tips to Check the Tire Pressure
The summer heat, depending on how hot the temperature is, can be very disruptive to your car’s tire pressure. Your tire is nothing more than a rubber vessel with air inside. The air inside a vacuum reacts to the external temperature. How does it do that? Well, the air molecules tend to vibrate at a faster rate at hot temperatures.
This vibration causes them to bounce off the inner walls of the tires, which will result in either the tire bursting or the air escaping from the tire. This is why you should know the right types of equipment and tools that help you check the tire pressure. Most people resort to a tire gauge for checking tire pressure.
To rightly check the tire pressure, check the manual of the car to find out the optimal tire pressure of the car. You can also look at the sticker that is on the inside of the front passenger door to find out the exact tire pressure of your car. You can also check the owner’s manual to find out the air pressure of your car.
Using the air gauge is easy, you just have to insert it into the air nozzle and check whether you have to fill or deflate some of the air. Having underinflated tires will result in certain gripping problems for your tires, especially when the road surface is wet.
Similarly, over inflation of tires can also be harmful to your tires. Over inflation of air is likely to cause inflation in the center treads of the tires. The summer heat can cause this tread damage, not only because heat causes over inflation, but over-exposure to UV can cause dry rot to occur in the treads.
Importance of Tire Pressure
Uneven tire pressure due to the summer heat can cause uneven wear on your tires, which will cause you to replace them much more often. Having the right knowledge over the tire pressure and keeping it maintained will cause your tires to last longer and ultimately save you money in the long run.
Tips for Prevention
The onset of summer will bring about plenty of challenges for tire maintenance. Prevention will mainly involve checking the tire pressure, and keeping your car tires away from direct sunlight and heat. Hence, it is crucial that you keep covering your car as much as possible, and park it in a shaded and cool environment. If you notice constant low pressure, make sure to bring your vehicle in for an inspection.