What are the reasons for tires being extremely hot to the touch?
3 Answers
The reasons for tires being extremely hot to the touch are poor heat resistance of the tires themselves and some external factors causing excessive tire temperature. The following are related explanations: 1. Tire heat dissipation: When driving in hot summer or at high speeds, the temperature of the tires rises quickly, and the internal pressure of the tires also increases accordingly. When the tire temperature reaches a balance between heat absorption and dissipation, the temperature and pressure of the tires will not increase further, and correct methods should be used to dissipate heat from the car tires. 2. Different heat resistance levels: Different types of tires have different heat resistance levels. Under normal circumstances, the maximum temperature that household car tires can withstand is around 180 to 220 degrees Celsius. During normal driving, the temperature of the tires is maintained at around 90 to 110 degrees Celsius.
I found that tires become extremely hot mainly due to frequent braking or sudden acceleration during high-speed driving, which causes heat buildup from excessive friction. Low tire pressure is also a common issue—it increases the tire's contact area with the road, intensifying friction, especially after driving for hours on hot summer roads. Overloading the vehicle can also put excessive pressure on the tires, generating heat. Additionally, if tires are aged or of poor quality, they heat up faster and become hotter. I remember once on a long-distance trip with temperatures over 40°C, the tires were so hot I couldn’t even touch them. Later, I discovered the tire pressure was only 1.8 bar and had to rush to a service station to refill. To prevent this, I recommend avoiding aggressive driving, regularly checking and maintaining recommended tire pressure—especially before hot weather or long trips—as safety comes first. If tires overheat, pull over immediately to let them cool for at least half an hour before continuing to avoid blowout risks.
As an experienced individual, I believe that hot tires may be caused by frictional heat, especially during high-speed driving or sudden braking. Another key factor is insufficient tire pressure, which increases tire deformation, contact area, and frictional heat generation. Overloading can also exacerbate this issue. Driving in hot weather or on rough roads makes tires more prone to overheating. I once encountered a similar situation and later learned some maintenance knowledge, realizing that aging tire materials or brake system failures could also raise temperatures. Prevention methods are simple: visually check tire pressure before each drive, and take breaks during long trips to let the tires cool down. If the tire temperature is too high, don't wait—have a professional inspect the brake pads and tire condition immediately. Safe driving is more important than anything else; don't overlook these small details.
