Does Hot Weather Cause Tire Pressure to Rise?
2 Answers
As summer heat arrives and road temperatures increase, tire pressure can easily rise. Excessive tire pressure can accelerate tire wear and lead to blowouts. Hazards of excessive tire pressure: Reduced tire friction and adhesion, affecting braking performance; Causes steering wheel vibration and deviation, reducing driving comfort; Accelerates wear on the central tread pattern, shortening tire lifespan; Increases vehicle vibration, indirectly affecting the lifespan of other components; Overextends tire cords, reducing elasticity and increasing load during driving; Decreases puncture resistance, making tires more vulnerable to sharp objects like nails or glass, potentially causing blowouts. Hazards of insufficient tire pressure: Increases friction with the road surface, raising fuel consumption; Makes steering heavier and prone to deviation, compromising safety; Increases movement of tire parts, causing abnormal heat from excessive rolling; Weakens cord and rubber functions, leading to delamination or cord breakage and rim friction damage; Multiplies ground friction, rapidly increasing tire temperature and softening the tire, drastically reducing strength and risking blowouts at high speeds; Enlarges tire deformation, causing sidewall cracks and excessive heat from flexing, accelerating rubber aging, cord fatigue, and shoulder wear.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I've noticed that tire pressure really does increase in the summer because the heat causes the air inside the tires to expand, naturally raising the pressure. Experienced drivers know that cold tire pressure is the standard value, and it's best to check it in the morning before the car has been driven. I make it a habit to measure the tire pressure with a gauge every month. Overinflated tires can lead to uneven wear and affect braking performance. It's especially important to check before long trips to prevent the risk of a blowout. Also, don't overlook the spare tire, as it can also be affected by heat. Simple maintenance can extend tire life and save fuel. I personally experienced instability due to overinflated tires once, so now I'm extra careful.
