Why are tires more prone to blowouts in summer?
2 Answers
Summer is a season when tires are more prone to blowouts because the temperature of the tire and the air inside it remains consistent. When the temperature rises, the air expands more than the tire itself. Below are other reasons for summer tire blowouts: 1. Tire leakage: If a tire is punctured by a nail or other sharp object but not completely penetrated, it may start leaking air, eventually leading to a blowout. 2. Overinflated tires: When driving at high speeds, the tire temperature rises, increasing air pressure and causing deformation. The tire's elasticity decreases, and the dynamic load on the car also increases. If subjected to impact, this can lead to internal cracks or blowouts. This is why blowout incidents are more common in summer. 3. Underinflated tires: When driving at high speeds (over 120 km/h), insufficient tire pressure can cause "harmonic vibration" in the tire, generating significant resonance forces. If the tire is not sturdy enough or already damaged, it is more likely to blow out. Additionally, low pressure increases the tire's deflection, making the sidewalls more prone to contact with the ground during sharp turns. Since the sidewall is the weakest part of the tire, contact with the ground can also cause a blowout. 4. Worn-out tires: Over time, tires wear down severely, losing tread patterns (or having very low tread) and thinning sidewalls. Such tires cannot withstand the high pressure and heat of high-speed driving, leading to blowouts.
The main reason for frequent tire blowouts in summer is simple: thermal expansion and contraction. Having driven for decades, I've witnessed numerous summer tire blowout incidents. High temperatures cause the air inside tires to expand, rapidly increasing pressure. Combined with scorching asphalt roads that heat up like an iron, tire friction generates heat quickly. When temperatures rise, rubber becomes soft and brittle, significantly increasing the risk of accelerated wear or aging fractures. This is especially true during long-distance high-speed driving when tires are under heavy load—excessive pressure can easily lead to bursting. Once on the highway, I neglected to check the tire pressure, and halfway through, there was a loud 'bang' as the tire blew out, nearly causing an accident. It's advisable to check tire pressure every two weeks in summer, maintaining the manufacturer's recommended levels—neither overinflated nor underinflated. Replace severely worn tires promptly; don't wait for problems to arise. After all, safety comes first.
