Summer has arrived in Greenville – sunny skies, sizzling pavement, and plenty of enjoyable drives are ahead. But that heat can also just raise the temperature – it can change your tire pressure, too. Keep reading to find out how to ensure your Honda – and your tires – are road-ready mile after mile.
The Heat is On: Why Summer Tire Pressure Matters
When the temperature increases, so does the air in your tires. You can gain about one PSI for every 10°F increase in temperature. That doesn’t seem like much, but it can add up quickly and may change your tire pressure, even if you haven’t started driving yet.
Here’s the deal:
- Under-Inflated Tires: Poor gas mileage, sloppy handling, uneven wear.
- Over-Inflated Tires: Harsher ride, stiffer handling, and higher risk of blowouts.
Plus, your TPMS (tire pressure warning light) only alerts you when pressure is too low, not when it’s too high. So it’s up to you to check and adjust before things go sideways.
Finding Your Sweet Spot
Here’s a quick how-to to stay in that comfort zone:
- Location is Key: Look for your tire PSI in your owner’s manual or on the driver’s side door jamb.
- Cold Reading Matters: Measure before you drive or at least three hours after – you want the tires “cold”.
- Use a Proper Gauge: Digital or analog is fine. Just don’t rely on your dashboard light alone.
- Pump or Bleed: Under? Add air. Over? Release some. Aim for the recommended PSI, not the max printed on the tire.
- Check Often: Weekly checks go a long way, but at minimum once a month – and especially before hot trips.
A quick stop at Barbour Hendrick Honda or any gas station air pump makes it easy – and it’s free peace of mind.
The Unsung Hero: Why Tire Balancing is Crucial
Are you keeping your tires properly inflated? Awesome. But here’s another thing you don’t want to neglect: tire balancing.
Why it’s important:
- Prevents vibration and shaking while driving at highway speeds.
- Increases tread life due to even wear.
- Keeps the steering smooth and the suspension happy.
The heat and weight from all the miles you rack up over the summer can throw your wheels out of balance. If your steering wheel starts vibrating or has a little too much “play” in it while driving at highway speeds, then it’s time to get the balance checked (and possibly rotation too).
Knowing When It’s Time for New Tires
Tire pressure and balancing help your tires last, but they can’t beat age, wear, or damage. Here are signs summer’s taken its toll:
- Tread Depth Under 2/32-inch: Get a penny. If Lincoln’s head is completely exposed, it’s worn too much.
- Bulges, Cracks, Blisters: Heat exacerbates weak spots quickly.
- Irreversible Uneven Wear: Evidence of alignment problems or incorrect pressure.
- Frequent Low-Pressure Events: May indicate slow leaks or dry rot.
If you notice any of these, don’t wait. Hot NC roads and worn tires are a dangerous combo – schedule replacements with us before summer really kicks in.
You might also like: Why Do I Need My Tires Aligned?
Summing It Up
Summer is for sunny drives, not flat tires and wobbly steering. Your tires will be happy with:
- Regular checks of their pressure with a good old-fashioned tire gauge,
- Balances and rotations to help avoid vibration and wear, and
- Replacing tires as necessary when signs appear that indicate their safety is deteriorating.
Stop in and see us at Barbour Hendrick Honda in Greenville, NC, if you need help or even just peace of mind before your summer road trip. We will check pressure, balance, rotate, and show you the right tires when it’s time. Let’s make this summer smooth and safe on any road you choose.
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