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- October 13, 202619°
- BIST10012,151-0.94%
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- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,706-1.16%
- October 13, 202619°
Tire Pressure in Summer Heat Affects Safety and Fuel Consumption
Experts emphasize that tire pressure must be checked when cold before summer trips. Incorrect pressure can increase braking distance, fuel consumption, and tire wear.
As temperatures rise in summer and long-distance traffic increases, vehicle tires endure greater loads. A simple check lasting just a few minutes during this period can make a significant difference in terms of both safety and cost.
Tires are the only contact point between the vehicle and the asphalt, directly affecting braking, road grip, and balance. As the air temperature rises, the pressure inside the tire also increases, which can strain tires especially during long highway trips and when the vehicle is fully loaded.
Pressure Must Be Measured When Tires Are Cold
The correct practice is to measure tire pressure after the vehicle has been stationary for at least two hours or after driving 3 to 5 kilometers at low speed. Letting air out of a hot tire is not recommended because the pressure can drop again once the tire cools down.
The appropriate values are listed in the vehicle’s user manual or on a label inside the driver’s door. If there are passengers and luggage in the vehicle, these values may need to be increased according to the load.
What Tire Checks Should Be Done
Before setting off, all four tires should be checked, and the spare tire should not be forgotten. If the vehicle has a repair kit instead of a spare tire, its condition should also be inspected.
Another critical point is tread depth. Although the legal limit is 1.6 millimeters, it is recommended for safety reasons that it does not fall below 3 millimeters. The tire’s production date can be identified via the DOT code; tires older than five to six years or those with cracks on the sidewalls should be considered for replacement.
If the TPMS warning light comes on while driving, the driver should not ignore it. In such a case, speed should be reduced, the vehicle stopped at the first safe place, and the tires checked.
Incorrect Pressure Increases Braking Distance
Incorrectly pressurized tires can extend braking distance and increase the risk of hydroplaning in wet conditions. There is also a higher risk of sudden blowouts in heated and already weakened tires.
Therefore, regular checks are important not only for safety but also for driving comfort. Keeping tire pressure low increases fuel consumption because overly deformed tires raise rolling resistance.
According to data shared by manufacturers, even slightly low pressure can increase fuel consumption by about 3%. Independent studies indicate this increase can translate to up to a 10% rise in pump costs.
Vehicles with incorrect tire pressure also experience uneven tread wear. Overinflated tires wear faster in the center, while underinflated tires wear more quickly on the edges, shortening tire life.
Experts recommend checking tire pressure at least once a month and before every long trip. This simple, regular procedure enhances safety and protects drivers from unnecessary expenses.
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