Heat and Tires Can Be a Deadly Combo

A heat wave has been rolling its way across the country, leaving behind more than scorched lawns and sunburns. When the sun is beating down hotter than usual, you may think about grabbing the sun block and drinking more water, but you may not think about changing your habits behind the wheel. But you should.

The heat can be deadly to your tires, resulting in a blowout that can send your car into a tailspin and cause a potentially fatal accident.

When tires are under-inflated or when you are driving at excessive speeds, your tires are more vulnerable to the effects of heat, and they can wear down more quickly. Older tires and tires that have some dry rot can shred to pieces on a hot road.

If you do experience a blowout, experts recommend holding on tightly to the wheel to maintain control and not hitting the brake. Braking during a blowout can cause your vehicle to skid out of control.

You don’t have to stay inside like a hermit when the temperatures are higher, but you do need to take precautions. Of course, that means driving the speed limit and making sure your tires are properly inflated at all times.

However, you can also protect yourself by making the right selection when you are shopping for tires. Every tire has a rating for temperature that is based on rigorous testing. The rating is either an A, B or C, with A representing tires that can withstand the highest temperatures. The rating represents not only the tire’s ability to withstand high heats but also its ability to dissipate heat.

While your car only needs a C rated tire to meet minimum federal guidelines, it is worth investing in an A level tire, especially if you live in a place like Cincinnati where the summers can get very hot. A record-setting hot day can cause a sudden blowout, but even the regular days of summer can produce enough sustained heat to brake down the tire over time. Getting a higher-rated tire will resist these damaging effects.

If you’re looking for tire dealers Cincinnati residents trust, choose McCluskey Chevrolet. We carry tires that have the highest ratings for temperature and other quality measures, and we offer affordable prices to give buyers a chance to get the best for the vehicle. Visit us today to learn more about our tires and to make sure your car is protected for the summer and all year long.