Effects of Hot Temperatures on Tire Inflation/Pressure
Key Highlights
- Proper tire maintenance and inflation are critical during hot weather to prevent tire failures and extend tire lifespan.
- Overinflation leads to increased flexing and heat buildup, which can result in belt separations and internal melting.
- Regularly checking and adjusting tire pressure weekly can help ag tire dealers maintain optimal performance and prevents field issues.
Summer is here. How do hot temperatures impact tire inflation levels in ag tires?
"The air pressure inside an agricultural tire can be influenced by ambient temperature and it can also vary with the tire’s heat dissipation capacity during use," says Dave Paulk, manager, field technical services, BKT USA Inc.
"Tires are specifically engineered to withstand higher pressures that may develop during operation. In fact, the heat generated within the tire, along with road temperatures, can boost inflation pressure. However, heat from tire flexing caused by overinflation is more significant than external heat from the road. As the tire flexes, it generates more heat, which it may struggle to dissipate.
"Excessive heat in an agricultural tire can lead to tire failure by causing the tire to melt internally. Typically, this heat results in belt edge separations—around the tread's edge—and in divisions between the belt and tread."
There are a number of best practices ag tire dealers can employ to prevent tires from running hot and keeping ag tires inflated to proper levels, notes Paulk.
"It is crucial to properly set air pressures on agricultural tires to match the required load to avoid field issues. Correct pressure ensures optimal tire performance and helps dissipate heat. Since ambient temperatures can affect tire pressure, tires should be checked at least weekly to confirm they are properly inflated. Also, using the correct air pressure for the load prevents many field problems.
BKT's website provides load and inflation charts showing the tire’s load capacity at different pressures to provide users with some references when it comes to setting the right inflation.