I just read a post on an “RV Information” newsletter about tire pressure on a hot day. In my opinion, some of the information is borderline negligent.
The post was supposed to be offering advice on summer heat and what it can do to your tires. While some of the information and “advice” was just fine. Then the writer included the opinion that when tires get hot their pressure will increase, which is correct. But the author then went a step too far and said, “If the pressure is too high, your vehicle could become imbalanced, and you might even experience a blowout. This situation is dangerous for you and everyone else on the road!”
The “author” failed to provide any guideline as to what could be considered “too high.” They also failed to provide any information concerning the need to always maintain the pressure at or above the PSI required to support the load on your tires.
In the past I have attempted to contact the “author” and to suggest they improve the accuracy of their comments on tires, but they have never responded.
Information produced by artificial intelligence?
I am thinking that we may be dealing with artificial intelligence (AI) or with a person who depends on AI for the content of their articles.
At this point I can only suggest that when you read something on the internet, you confirm that the “Author” is a real person who has an email address and has some level of knowledge and experience on the topic at hand.
Tire inflation during hot weather
If you are wondering what you should do about your tire inflation and the hot summer weather, the basic answer is easy to understand:
1. Know the actual weight of the load on your tires. If you can’t get the individual tire position weight and only get the “total weight on an axle,” then at least assume that one end of that axle is supporting 53% of the total.
2. Use the weight in point #1, above, and consult tire industry Load and Inflation tables to learn the MINIMUM inflation for your vehicle. There are a number of posts here on RVtravel.com Maintenance section that can give you that information.
3. Your MINIMUM inflation should be measured and set BEFORE you start driving and after your vehicle has been parked for at least 2 hours and been out of direct sunlight for at least 2 hours.
4. You can use a handheld digital tire pressure gauge to set your pressure.
5. Check the pressure reading on your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) after setting the tire pressures. NOTE: TPMS readings will be +/- 2% of your handheld gauge reading.
6. DO NOT BLEED OFF high pressure from your tires after you have started driving for the day. Yes, the PSI will go up. It could go up by 10% to even 25% over what you set your MINIMUM PSI at. Tires are designed and tested to tolerate this increase in pressure, so DO NOT BLEED OFF your hot pressure. Undamaged tires do not “blow out” and they do not “explode” due to normal pressure increase from driving on a hot day. If you see a pressure increase of more than 20%, you may need to slow down to 65 mph or lower on very hot days. But DO NOT BLEED HOT PRESSURE down as this can lead to tire failure.
I am a real person and do not use artificial intelligence
You can see that I am a real person. I do not use AI to write my articles. I do depend on my 50+ years of Tire Design, Testing and Forensic experience to write my blogs. You can contact me via email (tireman9[at]gmail.com), or comment below this post, and I will reply.
Roger Marble
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You would think, that by now, everyone should know, don’t bleed off hot air pressure. I was taught this back before anyone ever thought of TPMS or even unleaded gas. Thanks for reminding us
AI will be the demise of the human race if we don’t stop it.
AI is not all bad, used correctly. It’s also not new.
A couple decades ago, IBM Corp, in league with Mayo clinic, embarked on an amazing AI health program that gathered massive amounts of data, WW, on cancers, the patients, and treatments, including results of those treatments. Once the work was done and the programs written to do analysis, a tool was born to assist Oncologists in taking data for their patient’s case, including genetics, then very quickly comparing to the huge database and providing suggestions for treatments that could be effective. The physicians, of course, make final decisions, but rather than spending weeks, it could be done much more quickly.
AI done right!
The problem is when greedy companies and individuals do not care how it is used, don’t implement appropriate controls, and only look to make money. AI in the hands of an unthinking general public driven by uncaring corp execs is the issue to be tackled.
Great information as always. Thanks, Roger
Roger – Great article as always! Thanks for the consistent reminders!
Stay safe and DO NOT BLEED HOT PRESSURE, Joe:-)
Thank you, Roger! 🙂 You and perhaps someone posting on iRV2 are all that I will trust via the internet. I also trust the techs at our chassis manufacturer, Spartan RV Chassis. Thanks again, have a great week, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂