Why It’s Important to Check Your Tire Pressure in the Summer

Summertime for many folks means hitting the road for a trip to the beach or a visit to see friends and family in other parts of the country. But before you get on the highway this summer, be sure to check your tire pressure.

Your tire pressure increases as the temperatures heat up outside, which can lead to overinflation and may necessitate truck and trailer repair in Centre County, PA. This post will cover the dangers of overinflated tires and what you can do to prevent it:

• Blowouts: When there’s too much pressure in the tire and the tire hits a bump in the road, there’s a temporary spike in PSI (pounds per square inch). This small pressure increase can cause the tire to blow out, potentially leading to a nasty accident.
• Bumpy ride: Overinflated tires can’t absorb the shock caused by potholes or bumps in the road. Though not as serious as a tire blowout, a bumpy ride is uncomfortable for you and your passengers.
• Decreased traction: The more inflated a tire becomes, the less contact the tread has with the road. Less contact means decreased traction, which is a big problem when driving on slick roads during summer rainstorms. Accidents caused by low traction often necessitate extensive truck and trailer repair in Centre County, PA.

Determining proper inflation pressure

Your tires most likely have a recommended inflation level on the sidewall. But it’s important to note that that number only indicates the pressure needed to fully inflate your tire—not the pressure required for your vehicle. Pay attention to the number your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends for your tires. This number can often be found in your owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the car door.

Additional tire tips

In addition to checking your pressure regularly and inflating the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, follow these tips to ensure proper inflation and complete safety throughout the summer:

• Use a quality gauge: All tire gauges aren’t created equal. When you pay for the cheapest gauge on the shelf, you may get poor results when you test your tire pressure. We recommend paying a bit more for a dial or digital gauge, which costs anywhere from $10 to $20.
• Check before driving: Your tires heat up as you drive down the road; so as the temperature rises, so do your tires’ PSI. A tire that’s been on the road gives a reading of up to 6 PSI higher than one that’s been parked. Be sure to check your tires first thing in the morning to get the most accurate reading.
• Increase pressure for heavy loads: If you’re towing a trailer or have a car loaded up with luggage, you may need to increase your tire pressure to account for the heavier load. This isn’t true for all vehicles, though, so be sure to read through your driver’s manual before inflating your tires.

Car troubles? Call S & R Repairs Towing & Recovery Inc.

In addition to performing all sorts of truck and trailer repair in Centre County, PA, we offer 24-hour towing service for any size car or truck. If you experience any issues with your car this summer, contact our team for a tow!

Categorised in: Semi Truck Maintenance