What Causes High Tire Temperature?

[McCaleb]

The specific reasons for high tire temperature are as follows: 1. Prolonged contact with high-temperature road surfaces: Heat accumulation intensifies, leading to a rapid decline in the mechanical properties of the tire rubber material. On the other hand, due to thermal expansion and contraction, excessively high temperatures will increase tire pressure. When the tire's strength is insufficient to withstand the pressure, a blowout becomes inevitable. 2. Excessive driving speed: When a vehicle travels at high speeds, most of the kinetic energy is absorbed and converted into heat, causing the tire temperature to rise. This accelerates rubber aging and reduces the fatigue resistance of the cord layers, leading to early tire separation or blowouts. 3. High external temperatures: Especially in summer, road surface temperatures often exceed 70°C, making it difficult for tires to dissipate accumulated heat. The tire temperature rises sharply, and the internal pressure increases accordingly, accelerating rubber aging.

[DiCecilia]

I drive a lot for deliveries and have encountered high tire temperatures several times. The main reason is improper tire pressure. If the pressure is too low, the tire deforms more, causing increased friction and heat during rolling. Overloading the vehicle also leads to this issue, as the tires get squashed when the car is overloaded. It's especially noticeable on long-distance trips. Driving continuously at high speed for two or three hours without giving the tires time to cool down causes the temperature to rise rapidly. The worst scenario is when the brake pads don't retract properly, continuously rubbing against the wheel hub and transferring all the heat to the tires. In summer, the asphalt roads get scorching hot, and the tire temperature rises by at least ten degrees Celsius compared to usual. Now, I always carry a portable tire pressure gauge on long trips, taking breaks every two hours to check the pressure and letting the tires cool down for half an hour before hitting the road again.

[Cinna]

During maintenance, vehicles with abnormally heated tires are frequently encountered. The most critical aspect to focus on is the braking system, especially when the wheel cylinder fails to retract properly, which continuously heats the hub area. Abnormal tire pressure is a common cause, as low pressure leads to frequent flexing and deformation of the tire sidewalls, generating heat. Imbalanced wheel assemblies can also cause localized overheating at high speeds, a factor often overlooked. Additionally, debris like stones or metal shards embedded in the tread can cause abnormal temperature rises due to continuous friction. It is recommended that owners check tire pressure monthly, monitor for uneven tire wear, and inspect immediately upon hearing unusual friction noises. Before long trips, always service the braking system to ensure proper retraction of the brake calipers.

[LaneAnn]

We truck drivers fear tire overheating the most. When overloaded, the tire contact surface pressure is excessive, deformation is severe, and heat generation increases exponentially. Continuous highway driving for over five hours is common, and tires keep working without enough time to dissipate heat. I've also encountered underinflated tires—no issue at low speeds, but the tire temperature alarm goes off as soon as I hit the highway. Uneven cargo loading is even worse, causing extra weight on one side and leading to overheating. That's why I always distribute the load evenly and stop at every rest area for twenty minutes during the trip, using an infrared thermometer to spot-check tire temperatures. If a single tire is 30 degrees hotter than the others, I immediately check for brake or load issues.