Avoiding An Auto Accident: Why Tire Pressure Still Matters In The Summer

It is pretty common knowledge that tire pressure is an important factor in how your car handles in the winter time, but did you know that tire pressure is important throughout the summer months, too?

In the heat of the summer tire pressure can rise, on average one pound per-square inch (PSI) for every increase in temperature of 10 degrees fahrenheit.  That means that if your tires were properly inflated for the winter, you’re still going to want to check them before heading out for any long trips this summer.

Why is tire pressure so important to your safety?

If you leave the house on a cool summer morning and your tires are already over inflated, by the time you head out in the evening, after your car has been sitting in the hot summer sun, your tires will be over inflated to new heights.

Over inflated tires leave you more susceptible to tire blowouts which in turn can lead to car accidents.

Blowouts are not the only danger when over inflating your tires, however. Over inflated tires can lead to premature wearing on your tires which is a primary cause of poor handling and uneasy breaking.

When is the best time to check tire pressure?

The manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure is meant to match the measurement of a car that has been sitting still for hours, therefore the best time to check your tire pressure is first thing in the morning before you drive the car anywhere.  Remember that friction causes heat which leads to higher PSI measurements as well which can end up being deceiving if you’ve been driving for an extended period of time before checking the tire pressure.

When you’re in an auto accident it can be frustrating having to deal with the insurance companies while you’re simultaneously working to get back to your day to day life. Our auto accident attorneys can help you navigate the difficult aftermath of your accident.