In Missouri and elsewhere, summer temperatures may reach as high as 100 degrees or more. When temperatures rise, tire safety becomes all the more important for those traveling by motor vehicle. Lack of proper tire maintenance and hot temperatures can cause a blowout, which can lead to a collision that results in severe, even life-threatening injuries.
Traction is a must for travel safety
The only thing between a driver and the road is the tires of the vehicle. It is the pressurized air in a tire, however, not the tire itself, that supports the vehicle’s weight. If there is too much or not enough air in a tire, it can cause trouble with braking or steering.
Hotter temperatures cause air pressure in tires to increase
On a hot Missouri day in summer, rising outdoor temperatures can cause tires to inflate moredue to increased pressure. In fact, for every 10-degree rise in outdoor air temperature, a driver can expect at least 1 lb of increased air pressure in the tires. Too much air pressure in a tire can cause it to lose its proper shape. A bulging tire can lose traction, causing instability and increasing a risk for collision.
Some drivers neglect tire maintenance
There is no way to know which drivers are taking good care of their tires and which aren’t. If a motorist is driving around on bald, dry-rotted tires that are increasing under pressure during summer heat, it is a recipe for disaster. If a collision occurs that results in injury because of a driver’s negligence, a recovering victim may file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for damages.
