Did you know that the heat during the summer can take a toll on your tires? If you and your family are going on a road trip or vacation, you may want to consider these summer tires pros and cons to determine if they are right for you. Even if you aren’t planning to travel hundreds of miles, the summer heat could still cause damage to your tires. Remember to check the three T’s when looking at summer performance tires vs. all season: temperature, tread and traction.
Temperature and Tire Pressure
Did you know for every 10 degree increase in the air temperature, your tire pressure goes up one pound? The average recommended tire pressure for a car is 35 pounds, while the maximum pressure may be around 42 pounds. Your temperature grade on your tire should be an A, B, or C. A grade of A indicates summer tires that resist cracking. When driving during the hot summer months, the increase in the temperature of your tire, combined with the friction from driving, can cause your tire pressure to rise greatly and could cause the tire to crack or explode. Always make sure your tire pressure is set at the recommended pressure, not the maximum pressure, to lower your chances of having a blowout.
If you and your family are going on a trip, always check your tire pressure before you leave. After driving, even for a few minutes, your tire pressure will increase because of the heat and friction. It is also important not to check the pressure after driving. This can lull you into a false sense of security, leading to underinflated tires, which can also have a negative impact on your driving. In fact, using the best summer tires for fuel economy is a great benefit.
Tire Tread and Traction
Before leaving for a road trip, check your tire tread. Your tread wear will be between 100 and 700. The higher the number, the longer lasting your tire should be. Low tire tread can cause your tires to perform poorly on the road, especially in the rain. Once tire tread is below 2/32”, the tires become dangerous. Check random spots on your tires. Make sure that you have the best summer tires with good tread wear so you don’t have to worry when you are driving. If the tread is low, consider replacing with summer tires good in the rain.
The traction grades of tires range from the highest of AA to the lowest of C. The higher your rating, the easier your tires can stop on wet roadways in a shorter time frame. If you’re traveling with summer performance tires in the rain, it will take a shorter amount of time to stop. This is because your tires grip the wet pavement better with good tread and traction.
When getting ready for travel this summer, always check your tires. A tire’s grades can be found on the sidewall. Having the highest grades for the three T’s gives you a higher chance of staying safe on your road trip. Remember, every time you replace tires, a wheel alignment before new tires is essential.
If you need your tires checked or replaced in Sussex County, contact us. At DeBoer’s Auto, we have the resources and experience necessary to make sure your tires are in perfect condition for your road trips this summer.
