The Boost N' Inflate inflating a tyre on sand

How Heat Affects Your Tyres and What You Can Do About It

As the weather heats up and summer approaches, many of us are gearing up for road trips, weekend getaways, and more time spent on the road. However, the scorching sun and hot pavement can pose a serious threat to your vehicle’s tyres. Tyres are the only part of your car that make direct contact with the road, so understanding how heat affects them is critical to staying safe. In this guide, we'll break down what happens to your tyres in hot weather, why it's important to monitor them closely, and what you can do to protect them.
Why Does Heat Affect Tyres?

Tyres are primarily made of rubber, which is a material sensitive to temperature changes. As the ambient temperature rises, so does the temperature of the road. This heat transfers to your tyres, which can cause a number of issues, particularly if you're driving at high speeds for prolonged periods.

Here’s a breakdown of the main ways heat affects your tyres:

01 

Increased Tyre Pressure: Heat causes air to expand, and since your tyres are inflated with air, the pressure inside them increases as the temperature rises. This can lead to overinflation, which reduces the tyre's contact area with the road, affecting your grip and braking performance.

02

Faster Tyre Wear: Hot temperatures accelerate the breakdown of the rubber compound in your tyres, leading to quicker wear and tear. This can result in balding tyres, making them more prone to blowouts, especially when they’re under pressure from hot pavement.

03

Risk of Blowouts: A combination of increased tyre pressure, weakened rubber, and high speeds creates the perfect storm for blowouts. The heat softens the rubber, making it more vulnerable to punctures or sudden ruptures, especially if your tyres are already underinflated or worn.

Signs Your Tyres Are Overheating

It's crucial to spot the signs of overheating tyres early before they lead to more significant issues. Here are a few symptoms to watch out for:

Reduced Handling: If your car feels less responsive when steering or braking, it could be due to overinflated tyres from the heat.

Uneven Wear: Overinflated tyres wear out the centre tread more quickly, while underinflated tyres will wear out the edges.

Tyre Discoloration: A visual sign of heat damage is a change in the tyre's colour. If the rubber appears faded or cracked, it may be overheating.

Vibrations: If your car starts vibrating at higher speeds, it could be a sign that your tyres are under stress or unevenly worn due to heat.

How to Prevent Heat Damage to Your Tyres

While you can’t change the weather, there are several proactive steps you can take to protect your tyres from heat damage.

01
Monitor Tyre Pressure Regularly: Since heat increases tyre pressure, it’s essential to monitor it more frequently during the summer months. Overinflated tyres are more susceptible to blowouts, while underinflated tyres create excess heat due to increased friction with the road.

 

Solution: Invest in a portable tyre inflator like the Boost N' Inflate, which not only monitors tyre pressure but also inflates them to the correct levels. Always check your tyre pressure when they are cold (before driving) and adjust according to your vehicle’s recommended PSI.

02
Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle: Carrying too much weight increases the stress on your tyres, which can amplify the effects of heat. Overloaded vehicles cause tyres to flex more, leading to excess heat build-up and increased chances of a blowout.
Solution: Make sure your vehicle’s load is within its recommended limits, and avoid piling up extra gear during road trips. This helps keep your tyres from overheating due to excess stress.
03
Drive at Moderate Speeds: Driving at high speeds for extended periods generates more friction between the tyres and the road, causing them to heat up rapidly. This can be especially dangerous on long summer trips or highways.
Solution: Keep your speed in check, especially during the hottest parts of the day. If you’re driving for long distances, take breaks to allow your tyres to cool down.
04
Rotate Your Tyres Regularly: Tyre rotation ensures that all four tyres wear evenly, reducing the risk of one tyre becoming weaker than the others. Since front tyres tend to wear out faster due to steering and braking forces, regular rotation helps distribute wear.
Solution: Rotate your tyres every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometres (5,000 to 6,000 miles) or as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. This ensures even wear and better performance, especially in extreme temperatures.
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