Here’s Why You Should Check Your Tires This Summer
The summer heat has finally made its way to Highland Park and it’s shaping up to be another blistering hot couple of months. Is your car ready to handle it? As you prepare your vehicle for rising temperatures, don’t forget one of the most important checklist items of all: changing out your winter tires.
Though it may seem like tuning up the AC should be higher up on the list than switching tires, using the right tire for the right season can save you a lot of trouble (and money) down the road. Don’t forget–every factor that influences the way your car drives and handles has to make its way up through your tires before it reaches you. You want to make absolutely sure that the four things standing between you and a potentially dangerous situation remain in tip-top shape.
Here’s why using winter tires in the summertime isn’t a good idea:
Winter tires–studless or studded–are designed using a special rubber compound which will stay soft and flexible at lower temperatures so that the tire maintains a strong grip on slippery surfaces. Winter tires also feature special attributes like deeper treads and more extensive siping.
On the other hand, all-season or summer tires are designed to stay firmer even when exposed to record-breaking temperatures. Optimal conditions for these tires occur in warmer, drier conditions.
These differences in design mean that the pliable tread of winter tires will wear down quickly in warm temperatures. That decrease in wear life translates into decreased performance–winter tires just won’t provide the same handling capabilities as all-season or summer tires and can affect braking times. If the tires are not replaced quickly, they can present a safety hazard.
Whereas your Lexus may have been able to stop in 120 feet with all-season tires, they may only clock 115 feet using winter tires. Those five feet could be the difference between a close call and a fender bender.
Tire breakdown can also become extremely expensive since drivers will have to replace tires much more quickly than normal. Cost-conscience drivers should consider purchasing a separate set of wheels and tires to store in the garage each year until winter arrives–that way you can just have one of your favorite Highland Park Lexus dealership technicians change the wheels out for you. Ultimately, it saves time, money and peace of mind.
For more summertime vehicle maintenance tips, come chat with one of Lexus of Highland Park’s highly-qualified technicians. We’re always happy to answer questions, give advice, or take a look under the hood to make sure everything is in good shape. Give us a call today or drop by our service department whenever you need us.
