Can You Keep Driving with Overheated Truck Tires?
2 Answers
You can continue driving if you're not afraid of the tires catching fire, as many vehicle fires start from the tires. Professionals remind drivers to pay special attention to the use and maintenance of truck tires during the hot summer months to prevent blowouts that could lead to accidents. Below are some summer tire care tips: 1. Tip one: Due to temperature effects, the gas inside tires will automatically expand. To maintain proper tire pressure, it is recommended to fill tires with nitrogen in summer, reducing the filling pressure by 10%. 2. Tip two: Replace tires promptly. High summer temperatures accelerate tire rubber wear and aging, reducing the strength of the steel belt layer. Generally, there are raised markers in the tire tread grooves, and owners should replace tires in time. 3. Tip three: Front tires wear faster than rear tires because of steering. To extend tire lifespan, regularly rotate tires to balance wear between front and rear tires. The diagonal rotation method is commonly used to ensure even wear across all tires.
When tires become hot enough to burn your hand, it's definitely not good news. This indicates excessively high internal temperatures and poses significant risks. I've seen many cases where trucks, when overloaded, experience brake pad sticking or insufficient tire pressure, causing friction-generated heat to soften and expand the rubber, leading to blowouts. You should immediately pull over to a safe spot and wait for them to cool down for at least 30 minutes—don't rush to drive off. Blowouts on highways can be particularly dangerous as they may cause accidents, so safety should always come first. Make it a habit to regularly check tire pressure and wear conditions, avoid overloading and driving on steep slopes, and take frequent breaks to prevent problems before they occur. From an overall safety perspective, I believe using a thermometer to measure tire temperature before each long trip and keeping it within the 50-60°C range provides much greater peace of mind. A little vigilance goes a long way in ensuring safety.
