Hot Pavement, High Speeds, High Stakes
Every June, tire shops across North Texas see the same thing: a wave of blowouts. It’s no coincidence. Highway pavement in the Texas sun can exceed 140 degrees, and for Van Alstyne commuters logging daily miles to McKinney, Allen, or Dallas on US-75, that heat puts every tire on the vehicle under stress. A tire that made it through winter just fine can fail fast once summer arrives.
What Actually Causes a Blowout
Most blowouts trace back to one of three things. Underinflation is the biggest culprit — a low tire flexes more as it rolls, and that flexing generates heat until the tire literally comes apart. Age is second; rubber dries out and cracks over time, even on tires with decent tread. Third is existing damage, like a bruised sidewall from a pothole or curb strike that finally gives way under heat and highway speed.
A Five-Minute Check That Could Save Your Summer
Once a month, give your tires a quick once-over. Check the pressure when the tires are cold and match it to the sticker inside your driver’s door — not the number on the tire itself. Look for cracking along the sidewalls, bulges, or anything embedded in the tread. Use the penny test for tread depth, and if your tires are more than six years old, have them inspected regardless of how they look.
We’ll Check Them for Free
Not sure what you’re looking at? Bring your vehicle to Kwik Kar of Van Alstyne and we’ll inspect your tires as part of our courtesy inspection — pressure, tread, age, and condition — and show you photos of anything we find. If it’s time for replacements, we’ll help you choose tires built for Texas heat and back them with honest advice, not upselling. Call 903-290-1786 or stop by 1015 W Van Alstyne Pkwy before your next commute.