Safety Tips: Driving in the Rain
Staying alert while driving is particularly important and more so in situations when your vision is partially obstructed while driving in the rain. Keep both hands on the wheel at all times.
How the Weather Affects Your Tires
By Mavis Tire Team
Published 03/05/2025
Weather conditions will always impact their performance regardless of the type of tire you use. Even with the best tires, weather effects will still occur. Depending on the season, there are certain things you should watch for with your tires.
For simplicity, this article will cover the extremes of hot and cold weather on your tires (summer and winter, respectively). These issues are less prevalent in the spring and fall when the weather is more moderate.
Summer:
During hot summer weather, your tires can indeed become overinflated due to the heat, causing the air inside them to expand. Most cars are equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that alerts you when your tires are underinflated but not when they are overinflated, so regular checks are necessary. Driving on hot pavement and carrying heavy loads during long trips can also stress your tires, potentially leading to blowouts or faster wear.
It's essential to monitor tire wear as well. Tire tread wear is measured in 1/32nds of an inch. Uneven wear patterns and tread depth below 3/32 of an inch are indicators that your tires need to be replaced.
When winter approaches, the colder weather will cause the air inside your tires to contract, leading to a drop in tire pressure. It's important to regularly check and adjust tire pressure as seasons change to maintain optimal performance and safety.
Winter:
During the winter, your tires are more likely to be underinflated because the cold weather causes the air inside them to contract. Underinflated tires can be dangerous as they reduce your vehicle's handling, increase fuel consumption, and cause premature tire wear.
It’s advisable to keep your car in a garage during the winter to protect the tires from extreme cold. Cold weather can negatively affect tire pressure, so regular checks are crucial. While your car's Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) will alert you to underinflated tires, it’s still important to manually check the pressure, including the spare tire, to ensure accuracy.
Avoid hitting potholes as they can damage the tire sidewalls and weaken the tires, especially in cold conditions. All-season tires tend to lose their grip in freezing temperatures, making it difficult to stop on icy roads. Winter tires are specifically designed to maintain traction in temperatures below freezing and provide better safety and performance.
Regardless of the season, check the tire pressure (PSI) monthly. Perform this test in the morning before driving to get an accurate reading, as driving heats up the tires and increases the pressure. Generally, tire pressure changes by about 1 PSI for every 10-degree Fahrenheit change in temperature. Ensure the PSI matches the recommended tire pressure in your vehicle's owner’s manual.
If you’re uncertain about the impact of weather on your tires, visit the experts at Mavis for professional advice. With over 50 years of experience, Mavis can provide season-specific tire care recommendations.
Mavis Offers Fast and Reliable Tire Solutions
Since 1972, Mavis has specialized in tire repair and replacement. Our expertly trained technicians have years of experience diagnosing weather-affected tires. For the best tire deals around, visit your local Mavis. If you have questions about your tires or have other repair needs, your friendly technicians will inspect, diagnose, and make affordable recommendations.
Across the country, our service centers help customers get back on the road quickly. We offer a variety of services, from tire care and wheel alignment to tire replacement and brake repair.
