Preventing Summer Heat Tire Blowouts on the Road

Prevent Tire Blowouts

Hot weather can sometimes be harder on your truck that cold weather and we need to know the tips for keeping our trucks safe for us and other drivers. With temperatures rising, the heat can be bad for our tires. If you add high temperatures to increased friction, high speeds, and turning corners on hot asphalt, this can cause your tire to heat beyond the recommended temperature, potentially causing a blowout. A tire blowout not only affects us, but can affect those around us, too.

What are the best ways to prevent a tire blowout during the summer heat?

• Check air pressure regularly
  • Manufacturer's specifications for air pressure are found in the owner's manual for your truck. Under-inflated tires can cause a blowout quicker. They often run hotter than properly inflated tires. Properly inflated tires will make them last longer, too
• Nitrogen Inflation
  • Available at Dunn's Stores, Nitrogen helps tire temperatures run cooler than standard air
• Examine your tires
  • Check for cracks, holes, worn tread- anything that might indicate it's time to replace them. And make sure they are not old- they are more impacted by the hot temperatures
• Inspect valve caps
  • Replace metal valve caps with plastic. Metals caps could possibly weld into the tire valve making refilling the tire difficult. All valve caps should be secure.
• Reduce your speed and take curves gently
• Check the rating on your tires
  • This is the temperature rating. Each tire gets a grade, either A, B or C, A being the highest. C isn't bad, but an A grade will have the best performance
• Have your tires professionally inspected
  • If you have any question about your tires, take them to a pro to see if they can handle the heat

Knowing these tips can possibly help you prevent a tire blowout and keep you going on your trip and keep others safe.

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