Exposing your vehicle to hot weather can cause several issues, such as engine cooling system problems, poor engine oil circulation, poorly working air conditioning, the degradation of chemical processes inside your vehicle’s accumulator, and of course, damage to your tyres.  

We’ve discussed the challenges that driving in extreme heat can present for drivers, but let’s talk superficially about tyre safety. How can you make sure that your tyres are performing at their best and what to do if they are suffering from extreme heat. The last thing you want is premature wear and tear, bulging tyre walls, blowouts, and other tyre-related breakdowns.    

Choose The Right Tyres 

Not all tyres are created equal, especially when you consider the driving conditions you’re likely to encounter in South Africa. Take the hot, summer months that we experience. With this in mind, there are brands who have developed tyres specifically to handle the extreme heat, like Michelin Defender T+H, Continental TrueContact Tour, and Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack.  

Here are some considerations when choosing tyres: 

• Summer or all-season tyres are great for hot climates, as they have specialised tread patterns for effective heat dispersion and are made with advanced rubber materials that are heat resistant. 
• You’re looking for tyres with heat resistant tread compounds and unique tread designs that withstand high temperatures, increase traction, and grip on hot, dry roads. 
• High-performance, all-season tyres are typically made of a softer rubber compound, which means they provide better grip and handling – great for hot and dry weather conditions. 
• Consider tyres with a higher speed rating, as they can handle higher temperatures and provide better performance in dry and hot conditions. 

Regular Inspections 

Higher temperatures can cause rubber compounds to break down faster, leading to reduced tyre lifespan and even reducing the performance of your tyres. That’s the last thing you want, which is why you need to conduct regular tyre inspections to check for wear and tear, damage, and proper tread depth. If you can identify and address any of these issues early, you can help mitigate the impact of heat on your tyres and decrease your risk on the road. 

It’s Time For Pressure 

Ideally, you should be checking your tyre pressure every month, although some argue that it should be every two weeks. So, when should you be checking your pressure and what are you looking out for when the temperatures start to climb?  

Here’s a breakdown down of when to check and what to look for: 

• Daily checks during a heatwave, because high temperatures can cause your tyre pressure to fluctuate.  
• Weekly checks during warmer summer months. 
• Monthly checks in all weather conditions – even if you’re doing very little driving. 
• Tyre pressure recommendations are set by the vehicle manufacturer for when it’s on the cooler side, so only inflate your tyres when the vehicle has cooled down – not when it’s steaming hot. 

The Signs Of Tyres Overheating 

The breakdown of those rubber compounds that make up your tyre happens that much faster when it’s really hot, which can lead to poor performance at best and a blowout at worst. You’ll know that your tyres are overheating if they feel excessively hot to touch and if you check the pressure, you’ll see it shoot right up. All that heat and increased pressure is what leads to bulging tyre walls and blowouts.  

What To Do If Your Vehicle Or Tyres Overheat

Let’s say that the worst-case scenario has happened, and your tyres just “feel funny” or your vehicle’s temperature gauge is moving above the halfway mark on the dashboard. In this case, there are a few steps to take.  

Here’s what to do: 

• Pull over as soon as it’s safe so you can put your hand on your tyres and give your engine a break. 
• If you can’t pull over just yet, try turning off your air conditioning and turning on your heat as this could help give your engine a break. 
• Stop at a fuel station to have your tyre pressure checked or use your own.  
• If there’s steam or smoke, we urge you to get away from the vehicle – especially if it’s smoke.  
• Do not add coolant or water until the engine cools down. 
• Call for roadside assistance. 

Feel informed?  

We trust that this information will help you look after your tyres and stay safe on the road, no matter what the weather. The good news is that with regular vehicle maintenance, you’ll always be in a position to make sure that your vehicle is in good working condition and able to handle the icy winters, pouring rain, and extreme heat.  

However, if something does go wrong, then an AA Warranty will give you the ultimate peace of mind, knowing that you can call on us to ease the pressure and get you back on the road in no time.  

If you’re interested in checking out our range of AA Warranties.