Why August Is the Month to Check Your Tread
Bob Cornwall • July 31, 2025
Introduction:
When summer heat rises, so do your chances of tire failure. In Pomona Valley, August is peak season for long drives, highway travel, and sweltering blacktop temperatures. But there’s one critical part of your car that’s often overlooked: your tires.
Tires are your vehicle’s only contact with the road, and when the temperatures hit triple digits, they’re the first to feel the stress. Combined with underinflation, aging tread, or uneven wear, this heat becomes a serious safety hazard.
That’s why August is Tire Check Month
at Super Service of Pomona Valley. Taking just a few minutes to inspect your tires now can prevent dangerous blowouts and costly roadside breakdowns later.
How Summer Heat Affects Your Tires
Tires may look tough on the outside, but inside, they are made of complex rubber compounds designed to operate within a certain temperature range. Summer heat can push them well beyond that range, especially when driving on sun-baked asphalt.
Here’s how heat affects your tires:
- Increased Road Surface Temperature: Pavement can reach up to 160°F, heating the air inside your tires and increasing internal pressure.
- Faster Rubber Degradation: UV rays and heat accelerate the aging of rubber, making tires more prone to cracking and separation.
- Low Tread Equals Less Safety: Bald tires lose grip on hot roads and are more likely to hydroplane during sudden summer storms.
Did You Know?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tire-related issues cause over 11,000 crashes annually in the U.S., and tire blowouts spike during the hottest months.
The Danger of Under- and Overinflation
Temperature fluctuations affect your tire pressure more than you might think. For every 10°F increase, tire pressure increases by approximately 1 PSI (pounds per square inch). That may sound small, but it adds up.
- Underinflated Tires flex more, causing heat buildup. This can lead to tread separation, sidewall bulging, and eventual blowouts.
- Overinflated Tires reduce the contact patch with the road, leading to poor grip, uneven wear, and a harsher ride.
Maintaining correct tire pressure based on your vehicle’s manual, not the number printed on the tire, is essential to safety and fuel economy.
Tread Depth: Your First Line of Defense
Tread depth determines how well your tires grip the road. As it wears down, your vehicle becomes more vulnerable to skidding, slipping, and hydroplaning. The legal minimum in most states is 2/32 of an inch, but safety experts recommend replacing tires at 4/32 or earlier, especially in wet conditions.
Quick Test: The Penny Trick
Insert a penny into your tire tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, it’s time to replace the tire.
Tire Safety Checklist for August
Use this checklist to prepare your vehicle for the intense summer heat:
- Check Tread Depth: Replace if below 4/32" for safe summer grip
- Inspect for Damage: Look for cracks, cuts, bulges, or sidewall bubbles
- Monitor Tire Pressure: Check monthly and adjust when temperatures change
- Check Tire Age: Replace tires older than 6 years, regardless of tread depth
- Rotate Tires: Every 5,000–6,000 miles to ensure even wear
- Schedule Wheel Alignment: Keeps your tires from wearing out prematurely
- Balance Tires: Prevents vibrations and ensures smooth, high-speed travel
Why Trust Super Service of Pomona Valley?
At Super Service, your safety is our top priority. When it comes to tire care, we go beyond the basics:
- Certified Tire Specialists are trained to detect early warning signs
- Top-Tier Tire Brands available on-site with expert installation
- Digital Inspections with real-time photo and video updates
- On-Site Balancing & Alignment Services
- 3-Year / 36,000-Mile Warranty on most repairs and services
- No-Pressure, Honest Recommendations
- Shuttle Service & Loaner Cars available for your convenience
Conclusion:
Your tires are the unsung heroes of your vehicle’s safety and performance, especially during the heat of August. A quick tire inspection now could save you from a serious accident or expensive roadside emergency later.
👉 Schedule your free tire check today at
www.superserviceofpomonavalley.com and roll through the season with confidence, safety, and peace of mind
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