Summer Tire Safety: What Every Michigander Needs to Know

The summer in Michigan means beach trips, BBQ parties, and scenic driving. These warm months are full of fun, but they can also be challenging for your car, especially its tires. Understanding how summer heat affects your tires can help you get the most out of your summer vacations. We at Car Guys Auto Center, Fraser, Michigan, prioritize your safety and have created this guide to summer tire safety.

Understand the impact of heat on tires.

First, you need to know why the summer heat can be problematic for your tires. As the temperature increases, the pressure of your tires also rises. Your tire pressure will rise by one PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit increase in temperature. Heat-induced overinflation can cause your tires to wear out faster, increasing the risk of blowouts.

How to Choose the Right Tires

Summer tires are designed to handle high temperatures. While all-season tires can handle many conditions, they have some advantages. Summer tires have a rubber compound which allows them to be flexible even in high temperatures. This improves traction and handling. The tires have unique tread designs that enhance performance on dry and wet surfaces.

If you have a sports car, or want to improve your handling and brakes, switching to summer tires will provide a noticeable performance advantage. Summer tires will not be suitable for driving in Michigan during the winter. You’ll have to switch to winter or all-season tires once temperatures drop.

Proper Tire Maintenance

No matter what type of tire you select, regular maintenance is necessary to maintain optimal performance and safety. Here are some key points:

Tire Inspection: Regularly inspect your tires for visible damage like cracks, cuts, or bulges. Look for uneven wear that could indicate a suspension or alignment issue.

Tire Pressure: It is essential to check your tire pressure every month, especially in the summer. It is best to check tire pressure when the tires are cold, as heat can increase tire pressure. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s guide or tire placard for the correct pressure.

Tire rotation: Rotating your tires regularly can extend their life and help them wear evenly. Rotating your tires is recommended every 5,000-8,000 miles. However, you should check the owner’s guide of your vehicle for more specific instructions.

Tire Balance: By balancing your tires, you can also reduce uneven wear on the tire and prolong its life. This is done when rotating tires.

Wheel alignment: Unaligned tires can lead to premature and uneven tire wear. You may need to align your wheels if you notice uneven tire wearing or feel your car is pulling one way.

When to replace tires

It doesn’t matter how well your tires are maintained; they will eventually need to be changed. The “penny test” is commonly used to determine if your tires need replacing. Place a penny in your tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s face facing you and upside down. Replace your tires if you can see the entire head of Lincoln.

This test measures only one point of the tire. It’s best to get your tires inspected by professionals for a more comprehensive view of their condition.

The summer in Michigan means beach trips, BBQ parties, and scenic driving. These warm months are full of fun, but they can also be challenging for your car, and especially its tires. Understanding how summer heat affects your tires can help you get the most out of your summer vacations. We at Car Guys Auto Center, Fraser, Michigan, prioritize your safety and have created this guide to summer tire safety.

Understand the impact of heat on tires.

First, you need to know why the summer heat can be problematic for your tires. As the temperature increases, the pressure of your tires also rises. Your tire pressure will rise by one PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit increase in temperature. Heat-induced overinflation can cause your tires to wear out faster, increasing the risk of blowouts.

How to Choose the Right Tires

Summer tires are designed to handle high temperatures. While all-season tires can handle many conditions, they have some advantages. Summer tires have a rubber compound which allows them to be flexible even in high temperatures. This improves traction and handling. The tires have unique tread designs that will enhance performance on dry and wet surfaces.

Switching to summer tires will provide a noticeable performance advantage if you have a sports car or want to improve your handling and brakes. Summer tires will not be suitable for driving in Michigan during the winter. You’ll have to switch to winter or all-season tires once temperatures drop.

Proper Tire Maintenance

No matter what type of tire you select, regular maintenance is necessary to maintain optimal performance and safety. Here are some key points:

Tire Inspection: Regularly inspect your tires for visible damage like cracks, cuts, or bulges. Look for uneven wear that could indicate a suspension or alignment issue.

Tire Pressure: It is important to check your tire pressure every month, especially in the summer. It is best to check tire pressure when the tires are cold, as heat can increase tire pressure. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s guide or tire placard for the correct pressure.

Tire rotation: Rotating your tires regularly can extend their life and help them wear evenly. Rotating your tires is recommended every 5,000-8,000 miles. However, you should check the owner’s guide of your vehicle for more specific instructions.

Tire Balance: By balancing your tires, you can also reduce uneven wear on the tire and prolong its life. This is done when rotating tires.

Wheel alignment: Unaligned tires can lead to premature and uneven tire wear. You may need to align your wheels if you notice uneven tire wearing or feel your car is pulling one way.

When to replace tires

It doesn’t matter how well your tires are maintained; they will eventually need to be changed. The “penny test” is commonly used to determine if your tires need replacing. Place a penny in your tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s face facing you and upside down. Replace your tires if you can see the entire head of Lincoln.

This test measures only one point of the tire. It’s best to get your tires inspected by professionals for a more comprehensive view of their condition.

Contact Car Guys Auto Center in Fraser, MI

We at Car Guys Auto Center want to ensure that your driving experience in Michigan this summer is safe and enjoyable. Our certified technicians perform various services, including inspection, maintenance, and replacement with high-quality all-season or summer tires.

We are committed to your safety. We can help you prepare your vehicle for the summer heat. Contact us at (586)285-4444 today to make an appointment, or stop by our Auto Center in Fraser.

Summer driving in Michigan is a time to be careful about your tires. You can have a more comfortable and safer ride during the warm months by choosing the right tire, maintaining it properly, and knowing when it needs replacing. Car Guys Auto Center can care for your tire needs because we are here to help you, Michigan.