How Weather Conditions Affect Your Tires and Wheels
When it comes to vehicle safety, few things are as crucial as your tires and wheels. They’re the only parts of your car that touch the road, and how they perform can make the difference between a smooth ride and a sudden roadside emergency. But did you know that the weather—whether it’s scorching summer heat or freezing winter chill—can drastically affect the health and performance of your tires and wheels?
At 5 Star Tires & Wheels in Oklahoma City, we’ve seen firsthand how the changing seasons can take a toll on even the most rugged tires. That’s why we’re breaking down the relationship between weather and your wheels—so you can drive safely and confidently, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.
1. The Summer Heat and Your Tires
Let’s start with those blazing hot summer days. While it might feel great to roll the windows down and cruise, your tires might not be enjoying the heat quite as much.
Heat = Pressure Buildup
Rubber expands when heated. As temperatures rise, the air inside your tires does too. This causes tire pressure to increase, which might lead you to think that’s a good thing—after all, low tire pressure is bad, right? But overinflation is just as dangerous. Too much pressure means your tires have less surface contact with the road, reducing traction and increasing the risk of a blowout.
Hot Pavement = Faster Wear
Add sun-baked asphalt into the mix, and your tires are working overtime. Hot pavement accelerates tire wear, especially if your tires are under- or overinflated. Plus, UV rays can degrade the rubber over time, causing cracking or weakening.
Pro Tip: Check your tire pressure more frequently in the summer—ideally once a week. And store your vehicle in shaded areas when possible to minimize UV exposure.
2. Cold Weather and Tire Contraction
Now, let’s flip the script. When temperatures drop, your tires react in the opposite way.
Cold = Pressure Drops
Colder air is denser, which means it takes up less space. So when temperatures plummet, the air inside your tires contracts—leading to lower tire pressure. That low pressure means your tires are softer, increasing surface contact and rolling resistance, which can reduce fuel efficiency and cause uneven tread wear.
Rubber Hardens in the Cold
Cold weather also affects the rubber compound in your tires. Summer or all-season tires harden when it’s cold, reducing grip and flexibility. This means longer stopping distances and poor handling, especially on icy or wet roads.
Pro Tip: Always check your tire pressure after a cold front moves in, and consider switching to winter tires if temperatures consistently drop below 45°F (7°C).
3. Rainy Conditions and Hydroplaning
Rain doesn’t just make your morning commute more annoying—it can be dangerous for your tires and wheels.
Standing Water = Hydroplaning Risk
When your tires hit standing water at high speed, the tread can’t always push it away fast enough. This leads to hydroplaning, where your tires lose contact with the road entirely and glide on top of the water. That means no traction, no control, and a high risk of accidents.
Worn Tread = Less Grip
If your tire tread is too shallow, your risk of hydroplaning skyrockets. That’s why it’s critical to check your tread depth regularly—especially during rainy seasons.
Pro Tip: Rotate your tires every 6,000–8,000 miles and replace them when tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch (or sooner, if you want better wet-weather performance).
4. Winter Ice and Road Salt
Snow and ice introduce a whole new level of challenge for your wheels and tires.
Slippery Roads = Reduced Traction
On icy roads, even the best tires can struggle to grip. That’s why winter tires, with their specialized rubber compounds and deeper grooves, are a must for cold-weather driving. They stay flexible in freezing temps and offer better traction on snowy or slushy roads.
Road Salt = Corrosion Threat
Winter road maintenance often involves salt, which can wreak havoc on your wheels. Salt is highly corrosive, especially when it mixes with moisture. This can lead to rust on metal wheels and even damage alloy rims over time.
Pro Tip: Rinse your wheels regularly in winter—especially the undercarriage and wheel wells—to remove salt and prevent long-term corrosion.
5. Spring Weather and Potholes
As the seasons shift from winter to spring, thawing ice and snow reveal one of the most frustrating hazards on the road: potholes.
Potholes = Wheel and Tire Damage
Potholes form when moisture seeps into cracks in the pavement, freezes, and then thaws, expanding and breaking apart the surface. Driving over a pothole can cause immediate damage—like bent rims, tire bulges, or even complete blowouts.
Spring Showers = Extra Risk
In springtime, potholes often fill with rainwater, making them harder to spot. Hitting one at full speed can knock your wheels out of alignment or cause suspension issues.
Pro Tip: Stay alert after rainstorms and drive cautiously through puddles—you never know what’s hiding underneath.
6. Seasonal Tire Changes and Maintenance
To keep your tires in top condition year-round, seasonal maintenance is key.
- Spring: Inspect for pothole damage, rotate tires, and check alignment.
- Summer: Monitor pressure weekly and watch for signs of dry rot or cracking.
- Fall: Prepare for winter by checking tread depth and considering snow tires.
- Winter: Clean off road salt regularly and maintain cold-weather tire pressure.
The Role of Quality Tires and Expert Service
At 5 Star Tires & Wheels, we understand how important your tires and wheels are—especially when weather conditions keep changing. Our Oklahoma City-based team is here to help you choose the right tires for every season, perform regular maintenance, and make sure your wheels are ready for anything.
Whether you’re dealing with summer heat, icy roads, or springtime potholes, we’re committed to keeping your vehicle safe and running smoothly. And because we’re family-owned and rooted in community values, you can count on us to treat your car like it’s our own.
Need help getting your wheels ready for the season? Visit 5 Star Tires & Wheels in Oklahoma City today, or give us a call to schedule your next tire checkup. We’ll keep you rolling—rain or shine.