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Summer is one of the most enjoyable times of the year to drive in Northeast Ohio. Whether you’re cruising along Lake Erie, exploring the rolling hills of Amish Country, or taking a family road trip through Cuyahoga Valley National Park, there’s no shortage of scenic drives to enjoy. But while the warm weather and open roads inspire adventure, they also present unique challenges for your vehicle — particularly your tires.
Your tires are your vehicle’s only point of contact with the road, and how well they perform has a direct impact on your safety, fuel economy, and ride comfort. Unfortunately, the combination of high temperatures, long drives, and rough pavement can accelerate tire wear during the summer months. Understanding how summer conditions affect your tires — and the importance of regular inspections and maintenance — can help you avoid costly issues and ensure a safer driving experience.
At Rad Air Complete Car Care and Tire Centers, we’ve been helping drivers across Northeast Ohio maintain their vehicles for nearly five decades. With 11 convenient locations throughout the region, our expert technicians are ready to help you protect your tires and your investment in your vehicle. In this article, we’ll explore how summer affects tire wear and why you should prioritize tire care this season.
Tires naturally wear down over time as they contact the road. The friction between the rubber and the pavement gradually erodes tread depth, reducing traction and increasing stopping distance. While tire wear occurs year-round, summer introduces several factors that can accelerate this process.
One of the most significant factors is heat. As temperatures rise, so does the temperature of the road surface. Asphalt can easily reach 120°F or higher on sunny days, and this extreme heat transfers to your tires. The heat causes the rubber in your tires to soften, making it more susceptible to wear.
Additionally, the air inside your tires expands when heated, increasing tire pressure. Overinflated tires are more prone to uneven wear, particularly in the center of the tread. If your tires are already overinflated at the start of your drive, the additional heat and pressure can cause excessive flexing, leading to sidewall damage or even blowouts.
Summer is the season for road trips and vacations, which often means longer drives and heavier loads. Carrying extra passengers, luggage, or towing a trailer increases the stress on your tires. More weight means more heat generation and increased wear, particularly on the rear tires of front-wheel-drive vehicles and all tires on vehicles under heavy load.
While Northeast Ohio drivers appreciate the sunshine, summer is also construction season. Roadwork, potholes, gravel patches, and uneven pavement can all contribute to faster tire wear and potential damage. Driving on poorly maintained roads at high speeds can lead to cuts, punctures, and premature tread wear.
Driving on worn or poorly maintained tires can be dangerous, particularly in the summer. Here are some risks associated with neglecting tire care:
Proper tire care doesn’t have to be complicated. By following a few key steps and working with a trusted service provider like Rad Air, you can keep your tires in optimal condition and enjoy a safer, smoother ride.
Tire pressure should be checked at least once a month and before long trips. Use a reliable tire pressure gauge and compare your readings to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI, typically found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door.
Remember that tire pressure can fluctuate with temperature changes. Check pressure when your tires are cold, before you’ve driven far on hot roads.
Adequate tread depth is essential for safe driving. The minimum legal tread depth in Ohio is 2/32 of an inch, but most experts recommend replacing tires when tread reaches 4/32 of an inch or less.
You can check tread depth with a simple penny test: insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, it’s time to replace your tires.
Tires wear differently depending on their position on your vehicle. Regular tire rotations — typically every 5,000 to 8,000 miles — help ensure even wear and extend the life of your tires.
At Rad Air, our ASE-certified technicians provide professional tire rotations as part of our comprehensive maintenance services. We’ll also check for alignment issues that could cause uneven wear.
Proper wheel alignment is critical for even tire wear and safe handling. If your vehicle pulls to one side, your steering wheel is off-center, or you notice uneven tire wear, it may be time for an alignment service.
Balancing your tires is equally important. Unbalanced tires can cause vibration, premature wear, and added stress on your suspension system.
No tire lasts forever. When your tires are worn beyond safe limits, the best option is replacement. At Rad Air, we carry a wide selection of high-quality tires from trusted brands. Our technicians can help you choose the right tires for your driving needs and install them with precision.
We also offer periodic promotions and discounts on new tires — be sure to check our website or ask your local Rad Air center about current offers.
Rad Air Complete Car Care and Tire Centers have been serving Northeast Ohio drivers since 1975, and our commitment to quality, honesty, and customer service remains as strong as ever. We take pride in helping our clients understand their vehicles and make informed decisions about maintenance and repairs.
When it comes to tire care, Rad Air offers:
With 11 convenient locations throughout the Greater Cleveland-Akron area, it’s easy to find a Rad Air center near you. Whether you’re getting ready for a long summer road trip or simply want peace of mind for your daily commute, we’re here to help.
Summer driving in Northeast Ohio is meant to be enjoyed — not marred by tire trouble. By understanding how summer conditions impact your tires and taking proactive steps to care for them, you can extend tire life, improve safety, and avoid costly repairs. And when you need expert guidance, Rad Air Complete Car Care and Tire Centers are your trusted partners for comprehensive tire services.
Don’t let heat and rough roads put your tires — or your safety — at risk. Schedule your tire inspection or service appointment today and hit the road with confidence this summer.