It’s summer, the season of road trips, family getaways, and chasing sunsets. Your RV is packed, your playlist is ready. The open road is calling. Maybe you have planned to cruise along coastal highways or navigate the bustle of city streets. You are set for adventure!

But before you pull out of the driveway, ask yourself: Have you checked your tires? Do you have a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) on board?

Summer heat can turn a smooth ride into a roadside emergency if your tires are not ready. In this article, we will explore how rising temperatures affect tire pressure. We’d also answer why you should pay attention to rising temperatures. 

A TPMS may well be the unsung hero of your summer travels.

How Summer Heat Affects Tire Pressure — and Why TPMS Matters

So you may wonder: how exactly does summer heat affect tire pressure? Also, what is the best way to handle vehicle tires during the summer?

The Science Behind Tire Pressure and Temperature

You see, during summer, the temperature rises. This raises your tire pressure. This happens because heat causes air molecules to move faster and spread out. So your sealed tires experience a raised pressure. 

When the temperature goes up, tire pressure rises too. This is a direct relationship between temperature and pressure. For every 10°F increase in outside temperature, your tire pressure can go up by about 1 to 2 PSI (pounds per square inch). This means that your tires can become overinflated if they were filled during a cooler morning.

How Hot Weather Influences Your Tire’s Performance

When tire pressure rises too high due to heat, it can lead to several issues:

Overinflation: Extra pressure can cause the center of the tire to bulge out. This can reduce the tire's contact with the road and make the ride feel bumpy.

Poor traction: Less tire touching the road means you will experience reduced grip. This is noticeable during a sharp turn or when you must make a quick stop.

Longer stopping distances: Overinflated tires may travel a fair bit before halting during sudden braking. You can see how this will be dangerous in areas with heavy traffic.

Tire blowouts: Extra pressure weakens the tire walls over time, increasing the chance of a blowout. A blowout happens when the tire bursts or tears apart. Blowouts make it difficult to steer the vehicle and can result in accidents. 

Common Summer Tire Pressure Issues Drivers Face

These are some tire pressure issues that drivers experience due to summer heat:

Sudden Pressure Spikes

Tire pressure does not stay constant throughout the day. Instead, it changes a lot from morning to afternoon. So it is commonplace to notice that:

Morning readings are lower: The air inside your tires is cooler, so pressure is lower.

Afternoon readings are higher: As the day gets hotter, the pressure goes up.

Also, highway driving in the summer heats up your tires quickly. Friction from the road and hot weather can cause fast pressure increases. This is why sudden pressure spikes are common.

Hidden Dangers of Driving with Incorrect Pressure

Many people unknowingly drive vehicles with tires that are either overinflated or underinflated. This is a potential hazard and can lead to these situations:

Uneven tire wear: Overinflated tires wear out in the center, while underinflated tires wear out on the edges. Either way, your tires will not last as long.

Shorter tire lifespan: Tires that wear unevenly or too fast will need to be replaced sooner. This process is expensive. 

Poor fuel efficiency: Incorrect pressure makes your engine work harder. This means more fuel is burned just to keep your car moving.

In short, there are no benefits to driving with incorrect tire pressure. Instead, the practice is expensive, causing you to replace tires sooner. In case of a blowout, it can be dangerous. 

How TPMS Protects You During Hot Weather

TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It is a smart tool in your car (or one you can buy) that checks your tire pressure automatically. It consists of sensors that you screw to the stem valves of your vehicle. Then there is a mini-sized LCD monitor that receives signals from the sensors. 

The sensors can detect pressure and temperature changes. This will allow you to know which tires need a refill and when. 

There are two main types of TPMS systems:

Direct TPMS: These are sensors inside each tire that measure pressure and temperature. It gives exact numbers and alerts you when something is off. 

Drivers can see their tire report on a cool LCD screen. Knowing which tire has issues will allow you to respond before the situation worsens.

Indirect TPMS: Uses the car’s ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) to guess pressure by watching how the tires rotate. So, ABS detects tire problems based on wheel movement. It’s less accurate and does not show exact pressure levels.

Benefits of TPMS in Summer

Using a TPMS during hot weather gives you many advantages:

Real-time alerts: You get warnings when pressure is too high or too low. These notices will allow you to adjust quickly. For example, you may notice you are driving way above the recommended tire pressure. You may consider deflating the tires a bit.

Peace of mind: You do not need to guess. You always know what’s happening with which tire at what time. Also, you rest knowing that your tires are sound. 

Avoid dangerous surprises: A TPMS will alert you before a tire becomes a serious risk.

Why Choose GUTA TPMS for Summer Safety

We make GUTA TPMS vehicles and weather types, especially the extreme heat of summer. Here are reasons why you should get GUTA:

Solar charging: The GUTA GT40 TPMS will save you electrical power. Since you use these systems off-grid, power is a critical commodity. Well, you don't have to worry about another electrical device. The GT40 charges with the sun, which is abundant during summer. 

Touchscreen displays: This is easy to use and operate, even while driving. The GUTA GT80 TPMS is full-color and touchscreen-enabled. 

Long battery life: All GUTA sensors have a battery life that lasts a few years. So you do not have to replace them often. 

Durable design: Built to handle high heat, rough roads, and long drives.

Easy setup: No need to visit a mechanic. You can install it yourself quickly. With the GUTA GT80, you can refill air without unfastening the sensor.

Practical Tips for Managing Tire Pressure in the Summer

Below are some tips for managing tire pressure during summer:

• Check Tire Pressure Regularly

• Pair Manual Checks with a Reliable TPMS

• Stay Prepared for Road Trips

Check Tire Pressure Regularly 

Checking your tire pressure often can save you from bigger problems. Here are some tips:

Check when tires are cold: The best time is in the morning before driving or at least three hours after the car has been parked.

Know your target PSI: Find it on a sticker inside the driver’s door or in your car manual. Your target PSI is a great reference to know when your tires are overinflated or underinflated.

Expect changes: A small rise in pressure is normal during hot days. But pay attention to large spikes or dips in pressure readings.

Pair Manual Checks with a Reliable TPMS

Even if you check your tires with a pressure gauge, having a TPMS like GUTA adds extra protection. It offers round-the-clock monitoring by:

Ensuring double safety: Manual checks keep you in control. A TPMS alert is automatic, keeping you updated between checks.

Catching changes on the road: GUTA TPMS tells you if pressure increases or decreases suddenly. You will get the alert as you drive.

Remaining updated in real time: This is quite helpful on long trips. During these journeys, heat can affect tires more. So it's helpful to receive live temperature and pressure updates. 

Stay Prepared for Road Trips

Before heading out on a long summer drive, the following checks are in order:

1. Inspect all tires: Look for wear, cracks, or nails. If these are absent, you're good to go. 

2. Use a portable inflator: Keep one in the trunk of your car. This way, you can have a refill should the pressure drop during the trip.

3. Bring your GUTA TPMS: It is a reliable travel partner that alerts you before things go wrong.

Final Thoughts: Drive Smart This Summer with GUTA TPMS

Summer heat is no joke when it comes to tire safety. Temperature rise can be linked to overinflation, blowouts, and difficult handling. 

However, a TPMS can help you stay ahead of trouble. GUTA TPMS is built to perform in hot conditions. It allows you to monitor tire pressure and temperature in real time. 

This summer, protect your tires, save money on fuel and replacements, and enjoy the road with peace of mind. Drive smart with GUTA TPMS.