Dubai’s hot weather is a challenge for car owners and drivers, especially during the summer, when temperatures are extremely high compared to normal conditions. This hot weather not only impacts car engines and how they consume petrol, but also has a significant impact on tyres and tyre pressure.
Many car owners don't give the required attention to the tyre pressure as they are not aware that tyre pressure can impact the braking distance. When tyre pressure changes because of the hot weather or because of poor car maintenance, the tyre may lose contact with the road surface, making it risky for the drivers and co-passengers. Hence, the correct knowledge of tyre pressure and its impact is very important for car owners.
In this article, we at Auto Studio will discuss how tyre pressure impacts the braking distance in Dubai’s hot weather.
Tyre Pressure And Its Importance
Tyre pressure is the measure of the amount of air contained in the tyre and is expressed in terms of ‘PSI’ or ‘bar.’ Vehicle manufacturers specify tyre pressure appropriate for their vehicles to carry the weight of the vehicle, the car suspension system, and the tyre size.
When the tyres are inflated to the appropriate level of pressure, they maintain appropriate contact with the road surface, enabling the vehicle to be stable during braking or cornering.
However, if the tyre pressure is too low or too high, the shape of the tyre is altered, resulting in uneven contact with the road surface.
Here is the formula for calculating braking distance to enhance your safety. Braking Distance Formula = (Speed ÷ 10) × (Speed ÷ 10)
How Dubai Heat Affects Tyre Pressure?
Dubai is exposed to extreme summer temperatures during the summer season, with road surface temperatures sometimes reaching 60 degrees Celsius during the daytime. This extreme temperature causes the tyre pressure to increase as the air inside the tyre expands.
One of the major problems that results from the effect of heat is the sudden increase in pressure inside the tyre. This is because the expanding nature of the air causes the pressure inside the tyre to increase beyond the recommended level.
High pressure also leads to tyre blowouts since the effect of excessive heat on tyres causes them to easily burst, especially when driving at very high speeds on major highways.
Another problem that results from the effect of heat is the reduction in contact between the tyre and the road surface. This is because when the tyre is overinflated as a result of excessive heat, the center part of the tyre is responsible for carrying the entire load, thus causing a reduction in traction and an increase in braking distance.
Impact Of Low Tyre Pressure On Braking
Low tyre pressure is a major problem affecting vehicles and may lead to a decrease in braking performance.
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Reduced Grip On The Road During Braking
Under-inflated tyres are more likely to experience flexing compared to normally inflated tyres. As a result, the tyre’s tread pattern becomes unstable because of excessive flexing, making it difficult to maintain a good grip.
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Longer Distance To Stop During Braking
Due to under-inflation of the tyres, squirm occurs, meaning it takes a longer time for the tyre to respond to braking.
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Poor Emergency Braking Performance
In case of a sudden braking action, it becomes difficult for the tyres to maintain their shape, causing the vehicle to swerve in case of an emergency braking situation. This is because of the inability of the tyres to hold up during such a situation, thus requiring more time to stop.
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Increased Risk Of Tyre Failure
Under-inflated tyres produce heat due to the squirm, where the tyre is bent. As the vehicle is subjected to braking, the tyres, being already hot, may fail, especially during sudden braking.
Impact Of High Tyre Pressure On Braking
Although tyres cannot be over-inflated, high tyre pressure is just as detrimental as low tyre pressure. High tyre pressure has the same effects as low tyre pressure, especially during braking.
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Reduced Contact Patch
When the tyres are over-inflated, the center of the tyre is raised, thereby creating a situation where the tyres do not touch the road completely.
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Poor Grip On Uneven Roads
When tyres are overinflated, the pressure makes the tyres too stiff. This stiffness does not allow the tyres to adjust well to the roughness of the road. This affects the braking power of the vehicle.
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Increased Wheel Lock-Up Risk
When tyres are overinflated, the vehicle has a high chance of having its wheels lock up. This can cause the vehicle to skid off the road.
How To Maintain Correct Dubai Heat Tyre Pressure?
Maintaining the correct pressure in the vehicle's tyres is important to ensure safe braking as well as smooth handling of the vehicle. At Auto Studio, we recommend the following tips to help drivers keep their tyres in optimal condition:
- Drivers are advised to regularly check the pressure in their vehicle's tyres. This should be done every two weeks or before long journeys.
- When checking the pressure in the tyres, the vehicle's engine should be cold. This will ensure that the pressure in the tyres does not change due to the engine's heat.
- Drivers who are carrying heavy loads in their vehicles are advised to slightly adjust the pressure in the tyres.
- In addition to this, the driver should ensure that the pressure in the vehicle's spare tyre is regularly checked.
- You can go for nitrogen to reduce air refilling.
- Regularly inspect tyres for cracks, damage, bulging, or punctures that may lead to loss of air pressure.
- Regularly rotate your tyres to ensure even wear on all four, extending their lifespan.
- Use valve caps to protect the valve core from damage due to dust or water.
