Should I Lower Tire Pressure in Summer? (Summer Driving Essentials)
Paying attention to your car tire pressure is crucial as the weather warms up. The reason is tire pressure fluctuates a lot on hot days and can cause over-flattened if you drive for long hours.
So, should I lower tire pressure in summer? In any weather condition, adjusting the tire pressure is not recommended. Check the pressure once a month in the summer. If you notice any variation, use the manufacturer’s suggested tire air pressure and keep it closed as much as possible. This way, you can handle your vehicle more efficiently on the road.
Let’s dive deeper into the reasons behind this recommendation. Explore the importance of ideal tire pressure for your safety and your vehicle’s performance during the summer season.
hot weather tire pressure – Should I Lower Tire Pressure in Summer?
Keep the car tire pressure at the manufacturer-recommended level during the summer. Many car owners think decreasing the tire pressure would be best instead of increasing it on summer days. In reality, you can lower, but make sure the pressure matches your vehicle requirements.
Remember there is no rule explaining that you should lower tire pressure in the warmer months.
The tire pressure should be closer to the recommended level mentioned by the manufacturer, regardless of the weather. This way, you can avoid unwanted complications such as flat tires, blowouts, and faster wear and tear of the tires.
Avoid adjusting the tire pressure to the vel stated in the owner’s manual. Keep it as much closer as possible to be on the safe side. Measure the PSI in order to determine the tire’s air pressure level.
However, you may need to lower the tire’s air pressure in summer since higher temperature expands the air molecules of the tire, causing over-flattened. But it is not guaranteed that lowering will always solve the over-flattened problem.
The United States Department of Transport recommends checking the tire pressure once a month. Also, checking needs to be done early in the morning or after a long idle. This will ensure the most accurate reading.
what should your tire pressure be in the summer?
Whether it is summer or winter, the ideal tire pressure is the one mentioned by your car’s manufacturer.
The manufacturer tests the tire pressure level to guarantee the safety and efficiency of the car in a wide range of situations.
For this reason, the recommended and maximum PSI is likely different.
As stated, tire pressure shifts with outside temperatures. So, keeping the pressure at the recommended level is vital. This will minimize tire problems all year long. At the same time, you will get many years of efficient service from your car tires.
Can Tires Explode on Hot Summer Days?
Yes, a tire blowout can happen on hot summer days if the tires run for long hours in an over-flattened state.
Maintaining an ideal PSI for your car tire is important, and in case you forget to check the pressure, especially on hot days, you will be less likely to have flat tires.
On the other hand, irregular PSI checking will lead your tires to premature wear and tear. When it happens, you will more likely experience tire blowouts.
Many car owners are unaware of the difference between flat tires and tire blow out. Flat tires occur over time because of punctures or natural leaks. Whereas blowout is a quick expansion.
Consequently, hot summer days are responsible for tire explosions. It happens when over-flattened tires remain unaddressed. Maintaining the recommended tire air pressure and regular inspection is the key to avoiding blowout.
3 reasons Why Tire Blowouts in Excessive Hot Weather
Blowing out of the tires is common when temperatures soar. Wondering why? Here are the prime culprits.
1. Hot Air Molecules
Air molecules inside the tires vibrate erratically when heated. As a result, air-filled car tires expand. When such expands continue, tires blow out.
2. Friction
Car tires make contact with the road when you drive the car. This way, a lot of heat and friction is generated during summer days. Therefore, tires get hotter and lead to blowouts.
3. Rubber
Tires are usually made of rubber, and it has a tipping point. When the outside weather is hot, rubber expands. It will eventually burst in case you don’t check the tire pressure and continue driving.
How to Maintain the Tire Pressure in Summer?
You might wonder how to keep the tire in tip-top condition in summer. Well, here are my recommendations.
- Periodic checking is the key— Over-flattened tires are the prime reason for the immature wear and tear of the tires in summer. Your car tire will be unable to maintain good traction when it happens, leading to a dangerous accident. So, check the air pressure in your car tires periodically.
- Inspect the tread depth— Your car tire can maintain proper traction in different road conditions when on the road with the help of correct tread depth. Therefore, inspect the tread depth regularly. Change the tire if required.
- Look for damage in the tire— Heat accelerates tire wear and tear, increasing the likelihood of tire failure. Look for punctures, cracks, or other damages in the tire regularly.
- Park your car under the shade— Parking your vehicle in the shade minimizes heat buildup and prevents over-flattened tires. A sunshade will be beneficial if you don’t find a shade to park your car.
Related questions
No, tire pressure doesn’t usually lose due to heat. Instead, air molecules become warmer and move faster due to heat. Also, they collide with each other more frequently than usual, causing tire over-flattened conditions.
In this case, you must know the relation between tire pressure and temperature. Higher temperature means higher pressure which is bad for tires. It means tire pressure will rise when the outside temperature increases. Usually, the pressure goes up roughly 1 PSI for every 10 degrees F. Therefore, tires don’t need more air in summer.
Yes, tire pressure goes higher when hot. The reason is heat expands air molecules inside the tire. As a result, they move faster and collide frequently, increasing air pressure in the tires.
Final Words
The question “should I lower tire pressure in summer?” is essential for optimal vehicle performance. While some may believe that lowering tire pressure in hot weather provides better traction. However, it is generally not recommended.
Maintaining the manufacturer-recommended tire pressure year-round ensures proper handling, fuel efficiency, and tire lifespan.
Hot temperatures can cause tire pressure to increase naturally, so regular pressure checks are essential. Consult your vehicle’s manual or a trusted professional for specific recommendations.
By prioritizing proper tire maintenance, you can enjoy safer and efficient driving throughout the summer and beyond.
Video References
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Certification: BSc in Mechanical Engineering
Education: Mechanical engineer
Lives In: 539 W Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75208, USA
Rasel is an auto mechanic student and writer with over half a decade of experience in the automotive field. He has worked with top automotive brands such as Lexus, Quantum, and also owns two automotive blogs autocarneed.com and taxiwiz.com.