In 2019, a study by the University of Michigan revealed that a 10-degree Celsius increase in temperature raises the likelihood of a tire blowout by 35%. Seasonal effects directly and seriously impact tire efficiency in both summer and winter, especially if the tire is old or has unbalanced pressure.
To grasp the extent of seasonal effects on tire performance, some truck drivers have reported actual tire blowout incidents where the explosion produced small fragments with the force of a gunshot. These blowouts were caused by improper response to seasonal changes, proving that a minor oversight in tire maintenance can escalate into a real disaster.
In this article, we will provide you with an interesting practical guide to help you understand and recognize the seasonal effects on tire performance, and how to maintain tire efficiency in both summer and winter.
Seasonal Effects on Tire Performance:
Between the high heat of summer and the harsh frost of winter, everything in tires changes: pressure, grip, flexibility, and even the tire's lifespan. All these factors vary with temperature.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States has revealed that every year, 733 people in America lose their lives due to accidents related to tire failures, with tire blowouts ranking first in terms of severity and significance.
Tires are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road, making them highly susceptible to weather and climate changes. With each new season, tires begin to interact differently with the road and driving conditions. Therefore, it's important to distinguish between two types of effects:
The Impact of Summer Heat on Tires:
The Arabian Gulf region is characterized by high temperatures, which means hot roads and air expanding inside tires throughout the summer. Rising temperatures lead to increased air pressure inside the tire, causing it to expand and heightening the risk of a blowout.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States, over 33% of tire blowout incidents occur during the summer months due to excessive heat. Hot asphalt also accelerates tire tread wear.
The Impact of Winter Cold on Tires:
Conversely, low winter temperatures cause the air inside tires to contract, reducing their pressure and making them more susceptible to irregular wear and loss of grip, especially on slippery roads. A European study published in 2020 showed that tires not regularly inspected and maintained during winter experienced a significant performance drop of up to 10%.
This decline includes the tire's grip capability, its braking efficiency on slippery roads, and its resistance to wear. In contrast, tires that underwent inspection and maintenance, or those specifically designed for winter, maintained their high performance in cold conditions.
Some might assume that Arabian Gulf countries are only characterized by high temperatures, while certain regions within them experience extremely cold winters, such as the Hail region in Saudi Arabia, which has recorded temperatures as low as -5 degrees Celsius on some winter nights, making driving there similar to driving in freezing European conditions.
Temperature (both low and high) and the varying climate (dry and humid) all directly affect tires. Therefore, it is essential to choose the appropriate tire for each season and to inspect tires regularly to ensure their efficiency.
The Difference Between Summer and Winter Tires:
- Summer Tires:
Designed to be stiffer, they perform efficiently in high temperatures and provide good stability on both dry and wet roads.
- Winter Tires:
Feature softer rubber compounds to maintain flexibility in cold weather and have deeper tread patterns for better snow and water evacuation.
How to Maintain Tire Performance in Summer?
Summer is one of the most challenging seasons for tires. With rising temperatures, road asphalt can reach over 60 degrees Celsius in some areas, causing tire pressure to change rapidly, which increases the likelihood of wear or blowouts if not properly maintained.
A study by the European Vehicle Research Centre (ERMC) also showed that tires wear up to 20% faster in temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius compared to moderate temperatures, which explains the need for regular inspection and continuous monitoring of tire condition during summer.
We have a number of measures and tips to follow in summer to maintain tire efficiency. Our tips will be simple, easy, and immediately actionable.
- Tire Pressure Adjustment:
Check your tire pressure at least once every two weeks during summer. It's recommended to check in the morning before road temperatures rise, as air expands due to heat, leading to inaccurate readings during extreme heat (e.g., at noon).
Additionally, always refer to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure (typically 30–35 PSI for small cars, and 80–100 PSI for trucks).
- Regular Tire Inspection in Hot Weather:
At high temperatures, tires wear out quickly. Therefore, you should regularly inspect the tire tread, look for any cracks or bulges, and most importantly, check the tire's age (a maximum of 5 to 6 years is recommended).
Unfortunately, some drivers, companies, and fleet owners neglect the tire's lifespan, aiming to extend its life and use it for as long as possible. While this might yield small, temporary financial gains, it often leads to severe financial losses in the long run, particularly if a tire blows out or the vehicle is involved in a serious accident due to this negligence.
- Safe and Cautious Driving in High Temperatures:
This advice isn't specific to summer or winter; it's general advice for every driver. However, in high temperatures specifically, the following is recommended:
- Avoid sudden stops and rapid acceleration.
- Never forget that you are driving on a public road, not a race track. Therefore, you should drive wisely and calmly.
- Drive at moderate speeds, especially on long journeys.
- During long trips, tires are exposed to many unexpected things: "scattered nails on the road, metal scraps, small stones stuck in tire grooves." All these factors necessitate monitoring and inspecting your tires at every stop.
Safe and disciplined driving, regular tire inspection in hot weather, and daily or weekly air pressure adjustment extend tire life and protect tires from wear due to seasonal effects.
Tips for Choosing the Right Summer Tire:
Choose tires specifically designed for hot roads. These tires feature a rubber compound capable of resisting wear caused by high temperatures. They are often stiffer, which helps them maintain their shape and stability in harsh conditions.
These tires also have specially designed treads to improve grip and reduce the risk of skidding on dry or wet roads. Their design also enhances fuel efficiency and reduces the risk of blowouts caused by excessive air expansion inside the tire. Therefore, choosing the right summer tire is an essential step to maintain performance and safety in summer.
At Darbk Tires, we always strive to provide the best options suitable for every vehicle and every season. Our comprehensive support team is here to help you identify your vehicle's needs and meet them with the highest degree of efficiency.
How to maintain tire efficiency in winter?
A study by the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) indicates that non-winter tires lose approximately 30% of their grip on icy roads compared to specialized winter tires. This decline in performance can increase stopping distances by up to 40%, exposing drivers to the risk of skidding and losing control of their vehicle. Therefore, equipping your vehicle with appropriate winter tires is not a luxury, but a genuine safety necessity. Here are some important tips to maintain tire efficiency in winter:
- The effect of low temperatures on tire pressure:
Every 10-degree Celsius drop in temperature results in a loss of approximately 1 PSI of tire pressure. Therefore, make sure to check your tire pressure regularly in winter, and here's a general tip that will serve you well throughout your life:
(Always check your tire pressure, in all seasons... and across all times and planets!)
- The importance of grip and flexibility on slippery roads:
Winter tires have higher flexibility, which gives them better grip on slippery or snow-covered roads. Therefore, use specialized tires if you drive in winter conditions.
- Proper storage of summer tires
- Clean the tires thoroughly before storage.
- Store them in a cool, dry place.
- Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or high temperatures.
Now, moving beyond generalities: When do I need winter tires?
In fact, you only need winter tires if you live in an area where temperatures consistently drop below 7 degrees Celsius for extended periods. In such cases, winter tires are essential, as they can reduce stopping distances by up to 25% compared to regular tires in winter conditions.
When should seasonal tires be replaced?
There are several signs indicating that a tire has reached the end of its lifespan. These signs include:
- Tread depth is less than 1.6 mm.
- Visible cracks or bulges appear on the tire.
- Vibrations or unusual noises while driving: Before you read any further, if something like this happens while you're driving, stop immediately, inspect your tires, and take quick preventative action. If you don't address the issue carefully, you could be involved in an unexpected accident, all because you neglected your tires.
- Exceeding the lifespan (more than 6 years, even if the tire appears to be in good condition).
Comparison Between All-Season and Seasonal Tires:
All-Season Tires (All Season):
Good for driving in areas with moderate weather year-round, as they offer a balanced performance between summer and winter conditions.
Seasonal Tires:
They offer superior performance but require changing each season, making them suitable for regions with distinct climate variations.
A very important question: I currently live in a Gulf country, or work in a high-temperature region, so what should I do?
Indeed, this is a very important question. In your situation: Do you need seasonal tires? Or will all-season tires suffice? Or do you need winter tires? The short answer is: The roads you drive on will determine the answer.
Generally, if the climate temperature exceeds 43 degrees Celsius, you need summer tires. Their durability and responsiveness to road changes are superior to all-season tires, which are designed for all conditions. Summer tires are also adequate for moderate temperatures. Therefore, we use summer tires for summer and moderate periods.
Therefore: Determine the temperature on the roads you drive on, then choose what suits you based on your vehicle's requirements.
The Role of Tire Companies in Addressing Climate Change:
Tire companies have introduced many new technologies to withstand harsh weather conditions, such as:
- Advanced rubber compounds capable of changing their physical properties in response to temperature. When temperatures drop, these compounds become softer to maintain grip and flexibility in cold weather. When temperatures rise, the tire's stiffness increases to resist wear and achieve better stability. This technology reduces the need to change tires between seasons and provides balanced performance in various climatic conditions.
- Tires with internal sensors to measure pressure and temperature, displaying this information on the dashboard.
- 3D tread patterns to improve grip on slippery roads.
How Darbk Helps You Choose the Ideal Tire for Each Season?
At Darbk, we don't just sell tires; we offer personalized consultation based on:
- The nature of the roads you drive on.
- Your daily mileage.
- The type of load or vehicle.
- The prevailing climate in your region.
We also offer a regular post-sale tire monitoring service to help you choose the appropriate time to change your tires based on the season.
Remember, while we can't control the changing seasons, we can certainly prepare for them. Tires are more than just rubber on the road; they are your primary defense for safety. With a bit of seasonal care, you can maintain their efficiency and avoid numerous risks and expenses. At Darbk Company, we streamline this entire process for you by selecting the best product to meet your specific needs, thereby safeguarding your life and vehicle with the utmost efficiency and quality.
