Semi Truck Summer Tire Care: Tips Every Driver Should Know

The summer heat can be brutal — not just on you, but on your truck too. When temperatures rise, your tires take the brunt of the stress. Whether you’re driving across the country or on interstate routes, paying close attention to tire condition and pressure is a must. If you’re a truck driver who wants to stay safe, and extend the life of your tires, these tips on summer tire care are for you.

TIP #1: Check Tire Pressure Regularly

Heat has a significant impact on tire pressure. As the weather heats up, the air inside your tires expands. This often causes inflation pressure to jump — sometimes by as much as 20 psi. On the other hand, moving from hotter to cooler climates can cause a significant drop in pressure. That’s why it’s so important to check your tire pressure regularly, especially if you’re traveling through different temperature zones.

TIP #2: Misleading Pressure Readings

Here’s something many drivers may not realize: underinflated tires can give a false reading of being properly inflated, especially after a long drive. That’s because tires naturally heat up as they move, and this heat can temporarily bump up the pressure reading. For better accuracy, let your tires cool down for three to four hours before checking them. Skipping this step could mean driving on tires that are actually over- or under-inflated, both of which can lead to irregular wear and blowouts.

TIP #3: Watch for Irregular Wear and Damage

Tires can actually get “sunburned” from sitting in direct sunlight for too long, leading to surface damage and faster wear. Make a habit to check for things like:

Catching these issues early can help you avoid bigger (and more expensive) problems later.

TIP #4: Routine Tire Inspections

At the very least, inspect your tires once a month. High temperatures and long hours on hot pavement can accelerate wear and tear, so it’s important to stay ahead of potential issues. Check tire pressure, tread depth, and the overall condition of each tire. If you’re driving through regions with drastic temperature differences, make sure to check them more frequently. Rapid changes in temperature can cause pressure fluctuations that affect performance and safety. Make sure the valve stems are not cracked or leaking, as they play a big role in maintaining proper pressure.

TIP #5: Don’t Overlook Balance and Alignment

Even with the right pressure, misaligned or unbalanced tires can still wear unevenly, which reduces their lifespan and hurts your fuel efficiency. During the summer, roads can be especially tough on your alignment — from potholes left over from winter to road construction zones to extremely hot pavements. If you feel your truck vibrating or pulling to one side, that’s a sign to get your tires professionally aligned and balanced. Timely adjustments can help ensure your tires wear evenly, extend their usable life, and keep your ride smooth, no matter how hot the pavement gets.

TIP #6: Upgrade for Efficiency

Want better fuel economy this summer? Consider upgrading to low rolling resistance tires. They are designed to help reduce the energy it takes to keep your vehicle moving forward, which means less strain on your engine and improved fuel efficiency. Also, make sure your tires have enough tread depth to support your truck’s load. Having the right tires not only reduces fuel costs, but it can also help prevent unnecessary maintenance problems.

Stay Ahead with Summer Tire Care

You put in long hours on the road, and in the summer heat, your tires do too. Stay on top of inspections, avoid hot tire pressure readings, and always keep them properly inflated, aligned, and in good shape. A little attention to summer tire care goes a long way toward keeping you safe and your truck running efficiently all season long.