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Tire Pressure and Summer Heat: Expert Advice for Safe Driving

Tire Pressure and Summer Heat: Expert Advice for Safe Driving

From Večernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Tire pressure increases with temperature, with a 30°C change potentially raising it by up to 0.4 bar, affecting safety, fuel consumption, and tire wear.
  • Experts advise against setting summer tire pressure to the maximum allowed value, recommending a slightly lower pressure for safety, especially when carrying heavy loads.
  • Maintaining proper tire tread depth (at least 1.6 mm) and inspecting for damage like cuts or bulges are crucial for safe driving, particularly in adverse weather conditions.

As summer temperatures soar, drivers are reminded that tire pressure is significantly affected by heat. For every 10°C increase, tire pressure can rise by 0.07 to 0.14 bar. A substantial 30°C temperature shift can boost pressure by as much as 0.4 bar, impacting vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity.

Experts at Vulkala emphasize that drivers should not inflate tires to their maximum capacity during hot weather. Instead, a slightly lower pressure is recommended for enhanced safety. For family trips with luggage and multiple passengers, tire pressure should be adjusted higher to accommodate the vehicle's load, following the recommendations found in the owner's manual or on the vehicle's door frame.

Overinflated tires, especially in hot conditions and under heavy loads, increase the risk of deformation, premature wear, and even bursting, particularly when encountering road imperfections or braking. Proper tire pressure ensures better handling, shorter braking distances, reduced fuel consumption, and prevents tire damage.

Beyond pressure, drivers must also check tread depth, which should be at least 1.6 mm, to ensure control during rain and prevent aquaplaning. A thorough inspection of the tire's surface, including sidewalls, for any signs of damage such as bulges, cuts, or embedded objects is essential. Uneven tire wear may indicate suspension imbalances, requiring professional attention.

Tlak u gumama raste s porastom temperature. Svakih 10 °C podiže tlak u gumama za 0,07 do 0,14 bara. Promjena od 30 °C može povećati tlak i do 0,4 bara, što utječe na sigurnost, potrošnju goriva i trošenje guma.

— Vulkala expertsExplaining the impact of temperature on tire pressure.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.