Colorado summers bring more than just sunshine and scenic drives—they also bring hot pavement and high-altitude heat that can silently impact your vehicle’s tires. Whether you’re navigating the I-70 corridor, exploring winding canyon roads, or driving through downtown traffic, tire pressure becomes a critical safety factor during the warmer months. Understanding how summer heat affects your tires helps you stay safe and avoid unnecessary wear—or worse, a blowout.
Why Heat Affects Tire Pressure
As temperatures rise, so does the air pressure inside your tires. In fact, for every 10°F increase in air temperature, tire pressure can go up by about 1 PSI (pound per square inch). On a typical summer day in Colorado, where pavement temperatures can easily soar above 130°F, that pressure can climb quickly. Overinflated tires have a smaller contact patch with the road, reducing traction and causing uneven wear. In extreme cases, they’re more likely to blow out—especially when driving at high speeds or over rough terrain.
Colorado’s Unique Driving Conditions
Colorado drivers face a unique mix of hot summer pavement and elevation changes that can magnify tire pressure fluctuations. You might leave a cooler mountain town in the morning and hit blazing hot city streets by the afternoon. These rapid changes in temperature and elevation affect tire pressure more than most drivers realize, and even small imbalances can lead to big problems on steep grades or sharp turns.
How to Stay Ahead of the Heat
Check your tire pressure at least once a month, and always before a long trip—preferably when the tires are cold. Use a reliable pressure gauge and compare the readings to your vehicle’s recommended PSI (not the number printed on the tire). Don’t forget to check the spare tire, and inspect your tires for visible signs of damage, such as cracks, bulges, or worn tread.
If your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), pay attention to it. A TPMS warning light isn’t something to ignore—it could indicate a dangerous pressure change due to heat or a slow leak.
Final Thoughts
Colorado’s hot summer pavement can do more than heat up your drive—it can impact your tire pressure, handling, and overall safety. Keeping your tires properly inflated and regularly inspected helps you avoid tire failure and enjoy the open road with confidence all summer long.