Summer can be surprisingly hard on vehicle tires. Hot pavement, long-distance driving, road construction, potholes, and changing tire pressure can all lead to faster wear or sudden damage. The most common issue is uneven tread wear, but several other problems are also worth watching for.
- Uneven tread wear: This is one of the most common tire problems during the summer. It is often caused by skipped tire rotations, poor wheel alignment, incorrect tire pressure, or worn suspension components. Drivers may notice one side of the tire wearing faster, increased road noise, feathered tread, or the vehicle pulling to one side.
- Heat-related wear: Hot summer roads can soften tire rubber and increase heat buildup, especially during long highway trips. This may cause the tread to wear faster and can increase the chance of tire failure when the vehicle is heavily loaded or towing a trailer.
- Underinflation damage: Tires that do not have enough air create additional friction and heat while driving. This can cause the outer edges of the tread to wear prematurely, reduce fuel economy, and increase the risk of a blowout. Tire pressure should be checked monthly when the tires are cold.
- Pothole and construction damage: Canadian roads often remain damaged after winter, while summer construction creates additional hazards. Hitting potholes or sharp road edges can cause sidewall bulges, internal cord damage, bent wheels, or alignment problems.
- Nail and screw punctures: Summer construction season often leaves nails, screws, metal pieces, and other debris on roadways and parking lots. Some punctures cause an immediate flat, while others create a slow leak that may go unnoticed for several days.
- Long-distance tread wear: Summer road trips add kilometres quickly and can accelerate existing tire problems. A slightly misaligned wheel or improperly inflated tire may experience significant wear during a long highway trip.
- Dry rot and UV damage: Vehicles parked outside for long periods are exposed to sunlight and heat. Over time, UV exposure can cause small cracks in the tread or sidewalls, making the rubber dry, brittle, and less flexible.
To help prevent summer tire damage, drivers should check tire pressure regularly, rotate their tires according to the vehicle manufacturer’s schedule, and inspect the tread and sidewalls for cracks, bulges, cuts, or embedded objects. Uneven wear caused by improper pressure, missed rotations, or poor alignment is one of the leading reasons tires need to be replaced earlier than expected.
