There’s nothing like a sunny summer road trip, until you hear that dreaded *BANG* and realize a tire has blown.
Blowouts are much more common in hot weather, especially between May and October, when road temperatures soar.
But here’s the upside: These blowouts don’t just “happen”. With a few preventative measures, you can beat the heat and keep your car safe.
Let’s check out what these entail.
1. Check Tire Pressure Regularly
Tire pressure changes with the weather, increasing by 1 PSI for every 10°F rise in temperature. That’s why maintaining the correct pressure is so important, especially in summer.
Here’s what happens if you don’t:
- If the pressure is too low, the tire flexes more than it should, causing heat to build up. Over time, that heat can lead to a blowout.
- If it’s too high, the air inside can expand even more in the heat, making the tire overly stiff and more prone to bursting.
What to do:
Use a tire pressure gauge to check your tires at least once a month and before a long drive. Check them when they’re “cold” (before driving), and follow the PSI listed on your car’s door sticker.
TIP: Even if your car has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), performing a manual check is a good idea, as TPMS usually only warns you when your pressure is too low.
2. Inspect Tires for Wear and Damage
Hot summer pavement can turn worn or damaged tires into blowouts waiting to happen.
To avoid safety risks, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends replacing any tire with less than 2/32 inch of tread.
What to do:
- Perform a penny test to check your tread depth. Insert a coin into your tire’s tread with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can still see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too shallow, and it’s time for new tires.
- Watch out for cracks, cuts, or bulges on the sidewalls. These are warning signs that the tire could fail, especially in hot conditions.
- Check the age of your tires. Even if they appear in good shape, it’s best to replace tires if they’re over six years old. Heat and time can weaken the rubber, increasing the blowout risk.
3. Rotate, Align, and Balance
If your tires wear unevenly, that could spell disaster on hot roads. Uneven wear means some parts of the tire work harder than others, and they’ll heat up faster.
What to do:
Get a tire rotation every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. You should also check your alignment and balance at least once a year. If your steering wheel feels off-center or your car pulls to one side, that’s a sign it’s time for an alignment check.
4. Don’t Overload Your Vehicle
We’re all tempted to pack everything for a summer trip, but overloading your vehicle puts extra stress on your tires. Combine that with hot pavement, and it’s a recipe for a blowout.
What to do:
Check the maximum load rating on the sticker inside the driver’s door. If you regularly haul heavy cargo or tow a trailer, you may need tires with a higher load rating — but first, confirm that your suspension, brakes, and drivetrain are all rated to handle the extra weight.
When in doubt, consult your car’s manual or a trusted mechanic before upgrading.
5. Use Heat-Rated Tires
Some tires just aren’t built for the heat. Using winter tires or cheap, low-quality options during summer can wear them out fast and make them more likely to fail.
What to do:
Choose tires with an ” A ” temperature grade under the Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system, as they can perform well at speeds above 115 mph.
Moreover, if you live in a hot climate or plan to drive long distances, opt for summer or all-season tires rated for high heat resistance.
6. Avoid Road Hazards
Summer heat can warp roads and create potholes. Hitting a pothole while driving at high speeds can cause internal tire damage, even if you don’t see it immediately.
What to do: Drive cautiously on poorly maintained roads. If you hit a curb or pothole hard, have your tires inspected for damage — just to be safe.
7. Watch Your Driving Habits
Sudden braking, aggressive turns, and high-speed driving cause tires to heat up faster. That extra heat, combined with poor tire condition, increases blowout risk.
What to do: Drive at moderate speeds, especially on long highway trips. Avoid sudden turns and harsh braking. Take occasional breaks to let your tires cool down during long drives.
What to Do If a Blowout Happens?
Despite your best efforts, blowouts can still happen. The key is knowing how to react without panicking.
Here’s what you should do immediately:
- Relax and firmly grip the steering wheel.
- Let the car slow down naturally — don’t slam the brakes.
- Once your speed drops to around 30 mph, gently pull over and turn on your hazard lights.
- If you’re unsure how to change a tire or don’t have a spare, call for professional roadside assistance.