How to Prevent Tire Blowouts on Hot Colorado Highways

When temperatures rise across Southern Colorado, so does the risk of tire blowouts on commercial trucks. Between scorching pavement, heavy loads, long-distance hauls, and high-speed highway driving, tires are pushed to their limits—especially in summer.

At CCC Repair and Trucking, we handle dozens of tire repair and blowout calls each month from drivers operating along I-25, US 160, and rural routes throughout Las Animas County. Many of these situations could have been avoided with better inspections, proper inflation, or timely replacement.

This guide explains how high heat affects tires, how to recognize early warning signs of failure, and what steps you can take to reduce the risk of a costly roadside blowout.

Why Heat Increases Tire Blowout Risk

Tire blowouts occur when internal pressure exceeds the tire’s capacity—usually due to a combination of heat, pressure, and wear. During summer months in Colorado, ambient temperatures may hit 90–100°F, while asphalt surface temperatures can exceed 140°F.

At the same time, tire friction, trailer weight, and under-inflation can cause heat to build up inside the tire itself. If that heat can’t dissipate, the tire softens, weakens, and eventually ruptures.

Common summer risk factors include:

Underinflated tires
Overloaded axles
Worn tread or exposed belts
High-speed driving over long distances
Improper tire matching on duals
Road debris or sharp shoulder edges

Common Warning Signs of Impending Tire Failure

Recognizing the early symptoms of tire trouble is key to avoiding roadside emergencies. CCC technicians recommend watching for the following:

1. Visible Sidewall Cracking or Bulging

This often indicates internal separation, which can lead to sudden rupture—especially in hot conditions.

2. Irregular or Uneven Tread Wear

Feathering, cupping, or low tread on one side may suggest alignment issues or air imbalance.

3. Repeated Air Loss

If a tire needs air every few days, it could be suffering from a slow puncture or failing bead seal.

4. Vibration or Pulling While Driving

May indicate belt separation, an out-of-round tire, or uneven duals.

5. Steam, Smoke, or Rubber Odor

A tire that's overheating from internal friction may emit a distinct smell—this is a sign to pull over immediately.

How to Prevent Truck Tire Blowouts in Summer

Below are CCC Repair’s recommended steps to protect your tires and reduce blowout risks during the hot season:

1. Check Tire Pressure Daily

Tire pressure increases naturally as heat builds up. That’s why we recommend checking inflation cold, before the vehicle has moved or the sun hits the wheels.

Use a calibrated gauge
Refer to the manufacturer’s load chart for proper PSI
Never bleed hot tires (they may appear overinflated due to heat)

Underinflation is the #1 cause of blowouts, as it causes sidewall flexing and heat buildup.

2. Inspect Tread Depth and Condition Weekly

Worn treads are more prone to punctures, flats, and belt separation. Federal law requires a minimum of 4/32” on steering tires and 2/32” on all others—but we recommend replacing steer tires at 6/32” for safety.

Look for:

Flat spots or scalloping
Cracks or exposed cords
Objects embedded in treads
Uneven wear across duals

If you’re unsure whether your tires are safe, CCC Repair offers on-site tread inspections and tire balancing.

3. Replace Aging Tires Proactively

Even if tread depth looks adequate, tires over 6 years old may begin to dry rot or delaminate—especially in high heat. Check the DOT date code on the sidewall to determine the manufacturing year.

If you’re running recap tires, inspect the bonding area carefully. Summer heat can loosen retread material and lead to full tread separations on the highway.

4. Avoid Overloading Axles

Heavy loads increase the pressure and temperature inside your tires. Make sure your load is properly distributed and that you're not exceeding axle weight ratings—especially on drive and trailer tires.

Overloading one side of a dual pair can cause that tire to wear faster and fail sooner.

5. Match Duals Properly

Dual tire sets must be of equal height and inflation. If one tire is slightly shorter or underinflated, it carries more load than its pair, building up heat and increasing risk.

CCC Repair can check duals with a tire caliper and ensure proper pairing during replacement.

6. Avoid High-Speed Driving on Poor Roads

Long-distance hauling on rural roads or degraded highway surfaces increases your exposure to:

Potholes
Hot shoulder drop-offs
Debris and sharp rocks

Reduce your speed in extreme heat or poor pavement areas to allow heat to dissipate more slowly and reduce internal pressure.

What CCC Repair Offers for Tire Emergencies and Maintenance

CCC Repair and Trucking provides full-service tire support for commercial trucks and trailers across Southern Colorado.

Roadside Tire Repair and Replacement – 24/7

We carry popular commercial tire sizes and can respond within minutes to locations near:

I-25 and US 160
Trinidad, Walsenburg, and Raton
Rural Las Animas County highways

Whether it’s a blown steer tire or trailer flat, we’ll get you back on the road fast.

In-Shop Tire Inspections and Rotations

Visit our shop for full inspections, including:

Tread depth measurement
Valve stem checks
Rim condition
Tire rotation and replacement recommendations

Tire Balancing and Mounting

We use commercial-grade equipment to mount, balance, and install tires with precision. This reduces vibration, improves mileage, and extends tire life.

Real Tire Failures We've Fixed

Case 1: Steer Tire Blowout Near Walsenburg

Driver reported sudden steering pull. CCC mobile tech found a tire that had separated due to heat and age. We installed a new steer tire and verified front axle alignment.