Will Tires Be Damaged When Driving on Highways in Summer?
3 Answers
Whether tires can withstand highway driving in summer mainly depends on their own condition. Additional information: Causes of tire blowouts: 1. Tire leakage: When punctured by nails or other sharp objects without immediate rupture, the tire may leak air, leading to a blowout. 2. Excessive tire pressure: As the car drives at high speeds, tire temperature rises, increasing pressure and causing deformation, which reduces the elasticity of the tire body. The dynamic load on the car also increases, and impacts can lead to internal cracks or blowouts. This is why blowout accidents are more common in summer. 3. Insufficient tire pressure: When driving at high speeds (over 120 km/h), low tire pressure can cause "harmonic vibration" in the tire body, generating significant resonance forces. If the tire is not strong enough or already damaged, it may blow out. Additionally, low pressure increases tire sag, making the sidewalls more likely to touch the ground during sharp turns. The sidewall is the weakest part of the tire, and contact with the ground can also cause a blowout. 4. Aging or damaged tires: After prolonged use, tires wear severely, with no tread left (or very low tread) and thinning sidewalls, becoming what people call "bald tires" or developing uneven "weak spots." These tires cannot withstand the high pressure and heat of high-speed driving and may blow out.
Yes, car tires are prone to damage when driving on highways in summer. The main reason is that high temperatures can cause a sharp increase in tire pressure. If unchecked, excessive pressure may lead to deformation or even a blowout. High-speed driving also increases friction heat, causing tire temperatures to rise rapidly and softening the rubber, which accelerates wear. I experienced this myself during a long trip—after driving for three hours on a scorching day, the tread was severely worn, and I nearly had a blowout. Now I've learned my lesson: I always check the tire pressure before setting off, keeping it at the recommended level, and I stop every two hours on the highway to let the tires cool down. Regular maintenance is also crucial—early detection of sidewall cracks or bald spots can save a lot on repair costs. In short, safety comes first, and small precautions can prevent major risks.
Driving at high speeds in hot weather poses a dual challenge to tires. The scorching sun causes road temperatures to soar, potentially leading to a sudden increase in tire pressure. Additionally, high speeds generate greater rolling resistance, causing rapid heat buildup. Excessive internal tire temperatures can soften the tread, increasing the risk of blowouts or premature wear. From a safety perspective, it's essential to carry a tire pressure gauge and check the readings during rest stops to ensure they remain within the manufacturer's recommended range. Avoid exceeding the limits when adjusting tire pressure in summer—for instance, keep fluctuations within 10% of the standard value. Also, inspect the tread depth; if wear exceeds half, replace the tires promptly. This approach ensures safer driving while saving money and hassle.
