Even in the summer in Corpus Christi, temperatures can fluctuate drastically, taking your tire pressure along with it. Every 10 degrees up or down in the air could mean 1 to 5 pounds of pressure difference in your tires. This might not seem excessive, but considering car tires need, on average, 35 pounds of pressure in them, those few pounds could make a big difference in the way you drive.
Here are a few things to look out for in your tires when the heat fluctuates this summer:
Under-inflated tires will have full tread in the middle of them, but will be bald on the outer edges. This is because the lack of air pressure causes the tire to sink in the middle, keeping this area from having much contact with the road.
Under-inflated tires create for a hazardous driving experience for any driver. Should you hit a puddle of water, the lack of traction in the tire will increase your risk of hydroplaning. And should the steel cords pop through the sides because of under-inflation, it will make your tires even more dangerous.
Over-inflated tires can be just as risky. They look the opposite of under-inflated tires—the outside will look fine, but the middle part of the tread will be worn. This happens because too much air will cause your tire to bulge, making the center ring of your tire more susceptible to wear and tear.
It’s important to check your tires for safety on a regular basis. Keeping a tire gauge handy to check the pressure in your tires is always a good idea. In some vehicles, the correct tire pressure is displayed on the inside of the driver’s side door. Otherwise have your trusted mechanic determine the suggested tire pressure for your vehicle.
You can also keep track of your tires with a procedure called the “penny check.” This is done by placing a penny in the grove of your tire with Lincoln’s head facing you and pointing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, then it is time to have your tires replaced.
So take good care of your tires and have them inspected frequently to maximize safety on the road. Be sure to take them in to a trusted repair facility with ASE-Certified techs when you do- like Dub’s Garage! To schedule an appointment with our auto repair shop in Corpus Christi, call us at 361.444.1355.