Summer is Here and the Heat is on Your Retreads!

Harvey Brodsky, Managing Director of the Retread Tire Association, passes along some good tips for keeping down the wear and tear on your tires that is often amplified by hot summer driving.

Brodsky says, "Studies have shown that excessive heat is among the common causes of tire failure, causing up to 30% of failures. With Summer air temperatures reaching well over 100 degrees in some locations, and additional heat from road friction and braking, its no wonder that even well maintained tires can be stressed."

Brodsky continues, "But there are precautions that you can take to minimize any potential hazards."

• The most significant action you can take? Check your tire's air pressure regularly. As a general rule, lower tire pressure will generate more heat and more irregular wear on your tires. An increase in heat, subsequently will cause an increase in tire air pressure. In a hot tire, the air inside is expanded, creating an increase.

So what do you do? Should you bleed out air from a hot tire? Absolutely NOT! No, because when that tire cools, the air pressure inside will drop and then you'll have an under inflated tire."

Continues Brodsky, "A properly inflated tire is checked for proper inflation when the tire is cold, meaning after its been parked for 3 hours or more. Using a calibrated and accurate tire gauge, making sure the tire is properly inflated according to that tires specs.

Assuming that a normal radial tire is standard at around 100psi its operating road temperature will be near 150 degrees. if that tire is under inflated, it will run 5 degrees hotter with every drop of 2psi. You can see that a properly inflated tire, will operate at a cooler temperature and that though hot driving conditions will increase the temp, your proper inflation will keep that heat in check."

A few more suggestions from RTA -

• Always use valve caps. Road grime and debris will quickly compromise a valve stem. Keep them covered for best results.

• Make sure your fleet is monitored with a regular tire maintenance and repair program at least once a week. Your investment and safety record is on the line, so practice a step-by-step tire program with your fleet. Many retreaders offer regular fleet maintenance checks and monitored records to keep your tires at their highest level of quality.

"In conclusion", says Brodsky, "When it comes to the hot Summer months, proper maintenance is your best assurance"

Brodsky is a well known speaker about the economic and environmental benefits of retreading and has made presentations in many countries over the past 30 years, including Canada, the U.S., Australia, Brazil, China, England, India, Italy and Scotland. He is ready to speak to your group or industry association and will travel anywhere to do it.