SCIENCE + TECHNOLOGY

Pump up your tires to keep them operational during the summer heat

Jul 17, 2024, 12:00 PM

This many days in the heat can present unique challenges for machinery of all kinds, including our ...

Mechanics work on a car at Matson Auto & Marine Service in Riverton, Utah, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019. This many days in the heat can present unique challenges for machinery of all kinds, including our cars. A tire doesn't do well in the heat.. (Photo: KSL TV)

(Photo: KSL TV)

SALT LAKE CITY — This many days at or above 100 degrees can present unique challenges for machinery of all kinds, including our cars. Namely, their tires. A tire does not do well in the heat.

“They do terrible,” said Robbie Carter, manager of the Big O Tires in Salt Lake City. “The thing that ruins tires and the most dangerous to our driving is tires being overheated as a result of underinflation. It’s super important to maintain the tire pressure.”

Low tire pressure and heat are a bad combination.

“The problem is that if people have low tire pressure or their tire light is on and they drive on the freeway, that overheating is what causes most blowouts,” Carter said.

Don’t ignore the tire light on your dash, especially during the summer heat

Why do people ignore the service lights on their dashboards? Maybe for the same reason we put off going to the doctor until we’re seriously ill.

“The tire light on the dash is one light that should not be ignored,” Carter said. “Some people just ignore it and hope it goes away. Most people — especially women drivers — want to get it taken care of in a hurry.”

Does the type of tire make a difference in the heat?

If your tires are underinflated, they’re going to struggle with the heat whether they are little passenger car tires or big truck tires.

“The difference is with a passenger tire, you don’t have the inflation that you have with bigger trucks,” Carter said. “So, if you have a leak, the tire will go flat faster.”

Some drivers keep their winter tires on all year round.

“A winter tire is designed to give you the best traction, meaning stopping and starting, when the ambient temperature is 47 degrees and lower,” Carter said. “If you run one at 100 degrees, two things are happening. First, the tire is not going to perform as it was designed to do. And second, the tire will wear extremely fast because of the rubber compounds.”

When was the last time you checked your tire pressure?

Do you wait until you get a flat to check your tire pressure? Or until the light comes on on your dash?

“I don’t think enough people check it,” Carter said. “Low tire pressure is the major cause of tire overheating and blowout. Low tire pressure causes the tires to wear faster and run hotter. It’s also going to affect fuel economy.”

So, there is a financial incentive to make sure your tires have the right pressure.

In case you’re not clear on how to know what your tire pressure should be, Carter explains, “On the driver’s door, there’s a plackard that tells you the manufacturer’s recommended air inflations for both front and back.”

Amanda Dickson is the co-host of Utah’s Morning News and A Woman’s View on KSL NewsRadio. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Science + Technology

ogden city arch...

Sam Herrera

Ogden City launches new AI assistant ‘Archie’

The new Ogden AI assistant, "Archie," is meant to answer residents' questions quickly and can connect them with more resources.

1 day ago

A doctor uses a hand-held Doppler probe on a pregnant woman to measure the heartbeat of the fetus o...

Don Brinkerhoff

AI model could help predict dangers in unborn babies

Researchers have developed a new AI model that may help doctors assess the risk a fetus has for serious complications like stillbirth.

3 days ago

This May 18, 1969 photo provided by NASA shows Earth from 36,000 nautical miles away as photographe...

Marcia Dun, Associated Press

Newly spotted asteroid has a tiny chance of hitting Earth in 2032

A newly discovered asteroid has a tiny chance of smacking Earth in 2032, space agency officials said Wednesday.

6 days ago

model at air taxis in utah memorandum signing...

Alexandrea Bonilla and Sam Herrera

Air taxis in Utah are one step closer to reality

Air taxis in Utah aren't too far off. Utah's governor met with the leaders of two tech companies on Tuesday to signal the state's investment.

9 days ago

People reflected in a window with a slogan about AI at a representation of a company ahead of the W...

MATT O'BRIEN

What is DeepSeek, the Chinese AI company upending the stock market?

DeepSeek's AI assistant became the No. 1 downloaded free app on Apple's iPhone store Monday, propelled by curiosity about the ChatGPT competitor.

10 days ago

Biotech lab...

Jacob Freeman

An inside look at one of Utah’s booming industries: Biotech

Utahns are used to hearing about Silicon Slopes, but another type of tech industry is making big waves in Utah's economy as well.

13 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Pump up your tires to keep them operational during the summer heat