Though it is not the same as regions that get icy conditions, the weather in Tampa can cause significant challenges for drivers from extreme heat to slick roads. We might not stop to think about a hot, sunny day leading to an accident. After all, this is ‘The Sunshine State.’ But, you may be surprised at how easily an accident can occur, rain or shine.
Florida Heat and Your Tires
Your tires are the only contact point your vehicle has with the road. If your tires are in poor condition, it can increase the likelihood of having an auto accident. This is especially true in places with extreme heat, like Florida.
The NHTSA estimates that tire failure causes approximately 11,000 auto accidents per year. To help reduce your chances of enduring an auto accident resulting from tire malfunctions, it’s essential to know how Tampa weather affects them. Three Florida summer weather factors can dramatically change your tires’ efficiency: heat, humidity, and rain.
Even though tire manufacturers strive to make the rubber resistant to heat, it’s impossible to make them impervious to heat. In Florida, the heat index can easily reach 110 degrees in the summer. Because asphalt is dark, it absorbs the heat and often temperatures that can exceed 160 degrees.
As the temperature rises on the asphalt, your tires begin to expand. For every 10 degrees increase in the temperature, the pressure in your tires rises one PSI. This may not sound like much. But, if the manufacturer calls for 30-35 PSI in your tires at 70 degrees, when it rises to 110 outside and 160 on the asphalt, your tire PSI could be nearing 45 PSI.
Even if the tire doesn’t blow out under the increased pressure, it is doing more damage to the tire by causing uneven wear and tear. Additionally, the points of contact with the road are decreased as it inflates, which can interfere with your ability to brake properly.
To help make sure you don’t fall into the statistics of auto accidents caused by tire blowouts, be sure to keep an eye on your tire pressure. Check it manually and check it often, especially if the temperature is beginning to rise outside. Also, be sure to perform routine maintenance checks on your tires to keep them performing at their best for longer.