It’s hot out these days in McHenry and that could pose a threat to your car, truck or SUV tires. But Joe hasn’t given this much consideration. He does check the tire pressure at the four corners of his 2014 Audi. But, unless his toe is more proficient in the process, his method leaves something to be desired.

Joe kicks the tires to ensure they have proper air pressure. Whether by feel or sound, he estimates if the tires have the right air pressure. If he suspects a tire is low, he stops at a filling station that has an air pump and pumps some air into the ‘low’ tire until, with a kick, he’s convinced the tire is close to the proper air pressure. There is a gauge on the filler, but he doesn’t trust he; he has more confidence in his toe.

The problem is that his toe isn’t as accurate as he believes it to be and this is more problematic in a McHenry summer.

In the summer, the sun casts waves of heat down on the pavement raising the temperature alarmingly. The www.poochandclaws Website indicates that, for the sake of their dogs, pet owners need to consider that, on a day when the outside air temperature is 77 degrees, the sun can easily run the temperature of the asphalt up to 125 degrees. On an 87-degree day, the pavement can bake to 143 degrees. Another site suggests that, on a 100-degree day, the pavement will easily top 160 degrees.

All that heat, and more, is transferred to your car, truck or SUV tires. The ‘more’ refers to the friction factor. On an frigidly cold McHenry morning, your tires will still become hot when driving. With the friction, it’s unavoidable. On a hot day, it’s alarming.

Heat raises the air pressure inside the tires. If there’s a weak spot in a tire, the potential for a blowout is significant.

Under-inflating your tires is not the answer either. Under-inflated tires create even more friction. Once again, a blowout is a serious concern. But, even if the tire doesn’t fail completely, that kind of heat can damage a tire, whether under-inflated or over-inflated.

The answer is to properly inflate the tires when their cold. Yes, the air pressure in your car, truck or SUV tires will increase as you drive but that’s taken into account by the manufacturers. You should check the air pressure in your tires regularly – about once a month. Also, look for cracks, bulges and worn tire tread. These are signs of weakness in the tire that could make a tire more susceptible to a blowout when the tire is hot.

Keep your tire pressure in check this McHenry summer and your tires will thank you. They’ll show their appreciation by keeping you more safely on the road.