Contractors Hot Line July 12, 2024 | Page 18

With summer in full swing, temperatures are blazing across the United States— and it’ s probably only going to get hotter.

The 10 warmest years on record have happened during the last decade, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. While 2024 data won’ t be complete until December, this year is shaping up to meet or exceed record highs. That’ s not good news for contractors and companies that rely on big construction equipment with temperature-sensitive tires.
Staying cool is key to better human performance on jobsites, and it’ s also important for equipment performance. Here, we discuss how tire temperature can impact your business and steps you can take to keep the wheels turning safely.
Why Keep Tires Cool
Overheating impacts tire safety, efficiency and longevity. The good news is that you can protect your equipment and get the most out of it even during hot weather by following a few best practices.
Keep tires cool on the jobsite to prevent blowouts and tire damage, increase employee efficiency and help tires last longer.
Safety First
Blowouts are more than scary— they can be deadly on construction sites or in heavy vehicles.
While many things can cause tire blowouts, excessive heat is a big risk factor. As the air temperature rises, so does the temperature of the air inside tires. Then, as you drive on them, they heat up even more due to friction and contact with hot pavement and other surfaces. Hot tires expand and increase in pressure. If they’ re