José Luis Rodríguez, director of the tire manufacturer: "Extreme heat increases the likelihood of punctures and blowouts, which is why it's important to perform these checks."

Summer is the season of the year with the most road trips. The vacations that most people enjoy during this time of year involve long journeys, loaded cars, and, often, driving under a punishing sun . In this scenario, tires play an essential role, being the only point of contact with the road, making them a decisive factor in the safety and comfort of every trip.

To delve deeper into the importance of tires, José Luis Rodríguez, general manager of Afane, the group that represents tire manufacturers in Spain, provides his expert opinion on the main risks of not taking care of this key element, especially considering that wheel defects are one of the most common causes of rejection in vehicle technical inspections (ITV) .

In summer, the asphalt and cars reach extremely high temperatures. How does the heat affect tires?

Asphalt temperatures can exceed 70°C, so it's important to carefully check the tread and wear of your tires . Although not all are created equal, major manufacturers have developed materials that adapt and ensure proper performance in high temperatures.

Does the tire lose pressure in the heat?

During hot weather, the valve can expand, causing increased air loss. This makes it necessary to check the tire pressure to increase driving safety.

Is there also an increased risk of punctures?

Yes, the temperature of the asphalt is much higher than the ambient temperature, and if we drive on uneven roads, the likelihood of getting a puncture or blowout increases. That's why it's essential to properly check the condition of your tires before each trip.

In this time of year marked by long commutes, what advice would you give for optimizing fuel consumption?

On both long and short journeys, we can take a series of actions to help us be more fuel-efficient and, in turn, more respectful of the environment and emissions. The first thing drivers should know is that maintaining proper tire pressure directly influences fuel consumption. Furthermore, to achieve greater efficiency and optimize fuel consumption, we must be selective when purchasing and choose the most appropriate model. To achieve this, the Tire Label also provides information on the sustainability and energy efficiency of the chosen model, which will depend on the materials, tread, and compound. In fact, passenger car and truck tires are labeled according to their fuel consumption, wet braking, and rolling noise. Using low-rolling-resistance tires would generate significant energy savings.

Before going on vacation, what mistakes do we usually make with tires?

The biggest mistake is forgetting that the tire is one of the most important components of our vehicle and the only one that directly connects us to the road. At Afane, we always remember that the most important thing is to arrive safely at our destination, and just as we prepare for vacation, we must also prepare our car.

What tire checks are essential for these summer months?

The key during these months is to check your tires regularly, especially before long trips. We always remind drivers to check their tire pressure when cold to achieve the best performance. Keep in mind that this pressure can vary depending on the vehicle, the number of passengers, and the weight of their luggage.

What about tire tread? What's the minimum recommended tread depth?

It is essential to check the tread, ensuring that the depth is not less than 1.6 millimetres.

What other aspects should we take into account before embarking on a trip?

We also need to adjust the parallel and secure the spare wheel if our car has one.

What responsibility does the driver have for tire maintenance?

Regular checks are a driver's responsibility, as is consulting a specialist when we detect a problem or need to replace our tires.

Do all-season tires work just as well in summer or do they have any limitations?

All season tires, also known as all-weather tires, are perfectly suited for both the warmer months and winter.

What characteristics do they have that make them so versatile?

These types of tires are characterized by improved traction, grip, braking, and water evacuation. In low temperatures, their tread design and composition allow us to dispense with chains, as they are certified for winter use (3PMSF).

What advantages do these tires offer during the summer to those who already have them?

The main advantage for vehicles equipped with all-season tires during the colder months is that they won't have to change them now, as these tires adapt perfectly to any surface and temperature, eliminating the need to worry about the weather forecast.

Are they available for all types of vehicles?

In recent years, these tires have adapted to automotive developments and are available in most sizes required for passenger cars, SUVs , 4x4s, and vans.

Regarding tire tread, a tire may have tread but many years of age. How do you know if it's still safe?

When a tire's tread depth is below the permissible limit, it's considered necessary to replace it. We must also consider tire hardening, which causes it to lose flexibility and therefore reduces its performance. This is a difficult factor to detect, so it's advisable to visit a workshop.

Is it dangerous to drive with tires in poor condition?

Absolutely. It poses a danger to the lives of those in the car and to other road users.

Is there an expiration date for tires?

At Afane, we always explain that there is no expiration date for tires, as there are no current regulations regarding this. However, this does not mean their lifespan is infinite, so it is important to follow some recommendations. After the first five years of use, tires must undergo an annual inspection by specialists. This inspection should not replace periodic maintenance checks to monitor inflation pressure, wear, deformation, etc.

What if they haven't changed in a long time?

As a precaution, if tires have not been replaced within ten years of manufacture, we recommend replacing them with new ones even if the wear level has not reached the legal limit of 1.6 mm.

What other visual signs indicate that a tire is in poor condition?

Beyond tread wear and pressure loss, other visual signs that a tire is not in good condition include the appearance of cracks, cuts, and bulges, poor traction, vibration, and driving discomfort, and, of course, tread wear.

When changing tires, what should we look for beyond price or brand?

First and foremost, we should focus on choosing a quality tire , because as I mentioned earlier, it's the connecting link between us and the road and our lives depend on it. Choosing quality is key to safety both inside and outside the vehicle.

What factors determine this quality?

Some factors that determine this quality are high road grip, fuel efficiency and savings, strength and durability, low noise levels both inside and outside the vehicle, and good performance in adverse weather conditions.

Where can we find information about these features?

Much of this information can be found on the European Tire Label, which helps us choose the model that best suits our vehicle's specific needs. According to a recent study by the Tire Manufacturers' Association, 60% of drivers in Spain opt for mid- and high-range tires, placing importance on factors such as warranty, reliability, and, above all, durability and longevity.

And for extreme heat, are there more recommendable tires?

Specifically for extreme heat, all-season tires are a perfect option because they also adapt to high temperatures and allow us to drive more safely.

In the summer, with so many trips in a caravan or trailer, how does this affect the car's performance?

It's true that at this time of year, many people choose to use a caravan or trailer, and this changes the car's handling, especially when braking and cornering . That's why it's once again important to check the tire pressure on both the car and the trailer, as low tire pressure can cause blowouts when loading.

Are there any other aspects we should watch out for?

Of course, we must not exceed the maximum authorized weight and carefully check the coupling system when towing.

What are the recommendations for driving with a caravan or trailer?

We must remember that we are using an element attached to our vehicle, and therefore we must use a longer braking distance, make wider turns, and slow down the acceleration, in addition to avoiding sudden maneuvers.

And on slopes or descents?

If we're carrying extra weight, we'll have to use lower gears to avoid overheating the brakes on downhill slopes.

Many cars already have pressure sensors. Can we trust them completely, or should we continue to perform manual checks?

New technologies and the advances they bring are beneficial and make our work easier, but they should never replace the regular manual inspections we perform on our vehicles, and specifically our tires.

Even if the car warns us, is it still a good idea to check by eye?

Yes. Furthermore, turning to experts also means safety and peace of mind while driving.

Beyond tire pressure, what other aspects of the tire should we consider?

We shouldn't forget to check the tread depth, whether the wear is regular or uneven, and whether there are any damage, cuts, or deformations on the tire. All of these factors also affect safety.

In emergency braking with the car loaded and at 40 degrees, does the tire respond the same as under normal conditions?

Factors such as the weight of luggage and the number of people traveling with, combined with high temperatures affecting the road surface and tires, undoubtedly affect tire performance. This is especially true when it comes to emergency braking. Therefore, it's essential to have quality tires.

And what exactly happens when we carry more weight than usual?

As the vehicle's total weight increases, so does the braking distance. Furthermore, heat causes the tire to deform further, especially if the tire pressure is not adequate.

Does that heat also affect traction? Or just braking?

Situations like this demand maximum traction and tire responsiveness, so it's essential to have the most suitable tires, in addition to always ensuring the quality of their components.

For this summer, what three basic tire tips should we keep in mind?

Mainly, check the current condition of your tires as part of your vacation routine and replace them if necessary. Maintenance should include tire pressure, tread and wear, spare tire, and wheel alignment. Another essential point to consider before summer travel is choosing the most suitable tires for your needs and type of use, visiting your trusted workshop for advice and getting your vehicle ready.