Seasonal effects on tire performance How do you maintain tire efficiency in summer and winter?

In 2019, a study conducted by the American University of Michigan revealed that a rise in temperatures of 10 degrees Celsius increases the likelihood of a tire explosion by 35%. Seasonal effects directly and seriously affect tire efficiency in summer and winter, especially if the tire is old or suffers from unbalanced pressure.

In order to understand the extent of seasonal effects on tire performance, some truck drivers have revealed real incidents of tire explosions, resulting in small shrapnel with a force equivalent to a gunshot. These explosions are caused by a failure to react properly to seasonal changes, proving that simple negligence in tire maintenance can turn into a real disaster.

In this article, we will provide you with an interesting practical guide to help you understand and know the seasonal effects on tire performance, and how to maintain tire efficiency in summer and winter?

Seasonal effects on tire performance:

Between the high summer heat and the harsh winter frost, everything changes in tires: pressure, grip, flexibility and even the life of a tire, all of these things change depending on the temperature.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the United States of America (NHTSA) has revealed that every year 733 people in America lose their lives due to accidents related to tire faults. Tire explosions rank first in terms of severity and importance.

Tires are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road, making them more susceptible to weather and climate changes. With each new season, tires begin to react differently to the road and driving conditions, so you should distinguish between two types of effects, namely:

The effect of summer heat on tires:

The Arabian Gulf region is characterized by high temperatures, which means hot roads and air expands inside tires throughout the summer. High temperatures mean higher air pressure inside the tire, leading to its expansion and increased risk of explosion.

According to the U.S. National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 33% of tire explosions occur during the summer months due to excessive heat, and hot asphalt accelerates tire wear.

The effect of winter cold on the tire:

On the contrary, low temperatures in winter lead to air shrinkage inside tires, 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 that were not regularly inspected and maintained during the winter season suffer from a significant drop in performance by up to 10%.

This reduction includes the tire's grip capacity, its efficiency in stopping on slippery roads, as well as its resistance to wear, while tires that have undergone inspection and maintenance, or those intended for winter, have maintained their high performance in cold conditions.

Some may think that the Arab Gulf countries are characterized by high temperatures only, while some areas are very cold in winter, such as the Hail region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which recorded temperatures of -5 degrees Celsius in some winter nights, making driving in them similar to driving a vehicle in frozen European weather.

The temperature (low and high) and the nature of the climate, which varies between (dry and wet), are all directly affected by tires. Therefore, you should choose the right tire for each season and check the tires periodically to ensure their efficiency.

The difference between summer and winter tires:

• SUMMER TIRES:

It is designed to be stiffer, operate efficiently in high temperatures, and provide good stability on dry and wet roads.

• Winter tires:

It has softer rubber components to maintain flexibility in cold weather, and features deeper carvings for better snow and water discharge.

How do you keep the tire efficient in the summer?

Summer is one of the most challenging seasons for tires. With high temperatures, road asphalt may reach more than 60 degrees Celsius in some areas. The air pressure in the tires changes quickly, increasing the possibility of wear or explosion if proper maintenance is not done.

A study from the European Vehicle Research Center (ERMC) also showed that tires wear up to 20% faster at temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius compared to moderate temperatures, which explains the need for periodic inspection and constant monitoring of tire condition in the summer.

We have a number of procedures and tips that should be followed in the summer in order to maintain tire efficiency in the summer. Our tips will be simple, easy and immediately actionable.

1. Adjust air pressure:

Check the air pressure in the tires at least once every two weeks during the summer. It is recommended to check the air pressure in the morning before the road temperature rises, because the air expands due to heat, giving inaccurate readings in times of extreme heat (noon, for example).

In addition, you should always check the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure (usually 30—35 PSI for small cars, and 80—100 PSI for trucks).

2. Periodic inspection of the tire in hot weather:

At high temperatures, tires wear out quickly, so you should periodically check the tire's tread, look for any cracks or bulges, and most importantly check the tire's age (recommended 5 to 6 years maximum).

Unfortunately, some drivers and owners of companies and fleets neglect the issue of tire life in order to extend the life of the tire and benefit from it for as long as possible. They achieve small temporary financial gains and face heavy financial losses at the long level, especially if the tire bursts or the vehicle suffers a painful accident due to this negligence.

3. Safe and careful driving in high temperatures:

This advice is not related to summer or winter. It is general advice for every driver in this world, but in high temperatures in particular, the following is recommended:

• Avoid sudden stops and go fast.
• Never forget that you are driving your car on a public road rather than on a race track, so you should drive wisely and calmly.
• Drive at moderate speeds, especially on long roads.
• During long trips, the tire is exposed to many unexpected things (nails scattered on the road, scrap metal, small stones stuck in the grooves of the tire.” All these factors require you to monitor and check the tire at every stop.

Safe and controlled driving, regular tire inspection in hot weather, and adjusting air pressure on a daily or weekly basis increase the life of tires and protect them from wear due to seasonal effects.

Tips for choosing the right tire for the summer:

Choose tires designed specifically for hot roads, as they have a rubber composition that can resist wear caused by high temperatures. These tires are often stiffer, helping them maintain their shape and stability in extreme conditions.

These tires have specially designed patterns to improve grip and reduce the risk of slipping on dry or wet roads. Their design also enhances fuel efficiency and reduces the risk of explosion caused by excessive air expansion inside the tire. Therefore, choosing a suitable tire for the summer is an essential step to maintain performance and safety in the summer.

At Darbek Tire Company, we always strive to provide the best options to suit each vehicle and season. We have an integrated support team that helps you identify your vehicle's needs and meet them with the highest degree of efficiency.

How do you maintain tire efficiency in winter?

According to a study issued by the Canadian Transport Association (TAC), non-winter tires lose nearly 30% of their grip on icy roads compared to specialized winter tires. This decline in performance can increase stopping distance by up to 40%, exposing drivers to the risk of skidding and loss of vehicle control. Therefore, equipping your vehicle with tires suitable for winter is not a luxury, but a real safety necessity. Here are some important tips to maintain tire efficiency in winter:

1. The effect of low temperature on tire pressure:

Every 10 degrees Celsius drop in temperature causes the tire to lose about 1 PSI of pressure, so make sure to check air pressure regularly in winter. As a general tip that will accompany you throughout your life:

(Always check the tire pressure, in all seasons... In all times and planets)

2. The importance of cohesion and flexibility in slippery roads:

Winter tires have higher flexibility, which gives them better grip on slippery or snow-covered roads, so use custom tires if you're driving in winter areas.

3. The correct storage of summer tires

• Clean tires well before storing.
• Store it in a cool, dry place.
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or high heat.

Now out of generalities: when do I need winter tires?

In fact, you do not need winter tires unless you live in an area where the temperature drops below 7 degrees Celsius for long periods, then you need winter tires. These tires reduce stopping distance by up to 25% compared to normal tires in winter conditions.

When should seasonal tires be replaced?

There are several signs that indicate the expiration of a tire, including:

• The depth of the tread should be less than 1.6 mm.
• The appearance of cracks or bulges on the frame.
• Abnormal vibrations or sounds while driving: Before you continue reading, if something like this happens to you while driving, stop where you are, check the tires and take quick preventive action. If you do not deal with the matter carefully, you may have an unexpected accident, due to which you ignore the tire.
• Exceeded the shelf life (more than 6 years even if the tire looks good).

A comparison between multi-use tires and seasonal tires:

Multi-use tires (All Season):

Good for driving in areas with mild weather throughout the year, as it provides a moderate balance between summer and winter performance.

Seasonal tires:

It gives higher performance but requires a change in each season, and is suitable for areas with pronounced climate changes.

A very important question: I am now living in one of the Gulf countries, or let's say I'm working in a hot area. What should I do?

In fact, this question is very important. In your case, do you need seasonal tires? Do you need multi-use tires for the purpose? Or do you need winter tires? The short answer is: the roads on which you travel answer this question.

In general, if the climate temperature exceeds 43 degrees Celsius, you need summer tires. Their ability to withstand and respond to road changes is better than multi-use tires that meet all conditions. At the same time, they serve the purpose in moderate temperatures, so we use summer tires for summer and moderate periods.

So: determine the temperature on the roads you drive and then choose the one that suits you based on your vehicle requirements.

The role of tire companies in dealing with climate change:

Tire companies have added several new technologies to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as:

• Advanced rubber formulations are able to change their physical properties in response to temperature. When temperatures drop, these compounds become softer to maintain grip and flexibility in cold climates. When they rise, tire stiffness increases to resist wear and achieve better stability. This technology reduces the need to change tires between seasons and provides balanced performance in different climatic conditions.
• Tires with internal sensors to measure pressure and temperature and display this information on the driving screen.
• 3D engravings to improve stability on slippery roads.

How does Darbek help you choose the perfect frame for each class?

At Darbek, we do not only sell tires, but we offer you a customized consultation based on:

• The nature of the road you are on.
• Daily distance.
• The nature of the cargo or the type of vehicle.
• The prevailing climate in your area.

We also provide you with a periodic follow-up service for tires after sales, to help you choose the right time to replace tires depending on the season.

Finally

You should remember that the change of seasons is something we cannot control, but what we can do is to prepare for it. Tires are not just rubber pieces that revolve on the road. They are the first line of defense for your safety. With a little seasonal care, you can maintain the efficiency of your tires and avoid many risks and costs. We at Darbek reduce all these stages to you by choosing the best product that suits your needs, so as to preserve your life and vehicle safety with the highest degree of efficiency and quality.

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