4 useful tips for preserving car tires in the summer

Take good care of your car tires during the hot summer of the Philippines’ tropical climate, in order to preserve the tires as well as to ensure your safety on the road.

Tires play a very important part of a car. Being the contact point between the car wheels and the road, the tires have to carry the entire weight of the vehicle and endure constant friction with the road as well as collision with obstacles that appear on it from time to time. Tire care, therefore, is a great importance for not only the tires’ durability, but also fuel efficiency as well as road safety.

With that in mind, Philkotse.com will introduce 4 helpful tips to better preserve your car tires as well as your car maintenance.

1. Check tire pressure

In summer days, higher temperatures and strong heat from the sunburned road will cause tire pressure to change constantly due to the rubber and air in the tire expanded. When the car is moving, friction with the heated road surface will cause the tire pressure to quickly increase; while when the car stops, the tires cool down and the pressure is reduced.

You should check the tire pressure weekly or after each time you refuel

This constant change in tire pressure makes the rubber to deteriorate and the tires will wear off faster. In the worst case, the worn-off and overheated tire can explode, potentially causing serious car accidents. Therefore, it is recommended to check the tire pressure weekly or after each time you refuel. Using water to cool down the tires between long trips is not a bad idea, and don't forget to park the car in the shade.

2. Nitrogen gas

If you fill the tires with nitrogen gas instead of regular air, there is no need to constantly check the pressure. This is because nitrogen gas transfers heat much slower than the air, therefore the tires won’t get too hot or cool off too quickly. However, periodic tire testing is required to ensure safety.

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3. Tire valve

Check and ensure that the valve remains in place and the cap remains firm. If the valve does not fit properly, it can cause gas to slowly leak out of the tire without your notice and you’ll probably get a flat tire.

Check and ensure that the valve remains in place and the cap remains firm

4. Spare tire

Be sure to check the tire pressure and the valve for not only the tires in use but also the spare tire. This step is to ensure that the spare tire is in good condition in the case of tire puncture. Spare tire testing is no less important than checking the main tire.