Southern California’s ongoing heat wave is disrupting the morning commute as officials warn residents to check their vehicles for a dangerous tire issue.
Officials advised that the triple-digit temperatures could cause them to pop, overinflate or crack, increasing the chances of a car crash.
“Warm pavement that our tires drive on and the increased pressure from the heat, all of those different circumstances definitely make driving potentially a little bit more dangerous, especially if we don’t maintain our tires and vehicles,” California Highway Patrol Officer Jordon Church told ABC 7.
Tire blowouts are especially dangerous and can lead to accidents. Underinflated tires are the leading cause of blowouts. Officials advise anyone whose vehicle suffers a blowout not to panic and pull over to the side of the road and call 911.
The hot weather can boost tire pressure, leading to high readings on the road. Overinflated tires can lead to dangerous handling, according to the Department of Transportation. For every 10-degree increase in temperature, your tire pressure can rise by about one pound per square inch.
It’s advised to make sure your tires are properly inflated and to check their tread using a penny. If you can stick the penny in the shallowest part of your tire tread and Abraham Lincoln’s head is covered, the tires are good. If his head or hairline is showing, it may be time to consider a tire change.
SoCal’s continued heat wave has been record-shattering for October. The National Weather Service said the four-day streak of triple-digit temperatures for downtown LA is the longest ever and ties the record for the longest stretch any time this year.
Nine daily max temperature records were set across SoCal, including downtown Los Angeles, Oxnard, Camarillo, LAX, Burbank, Long Beach, Woodland Hills and Santa Ana.
Extreme heat warnings remain in effect for much of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, stay hydrated and check on loved ones.
CBS LA Chief Meteorologist Paul Deanno said the heat wave’s strength constitutes “rare territory” for LA.
“A gallon of gas cost 30 cents in the summer of 1963. That is the last time we had five straight days above 100 degrees in downtown LA until today.”
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