Extreme Heat in Louisiana Could Be Reason You See More Debris on Interstates

(Lafayette, Louisiana) - I was recently traveling on I-10 between Lafayette and Lake Charles, and I couldn't help but notice how much tire debris was on the interstate. Now I wonder if the extreme temperatures in Louisiana may be a result of this.

If you travel the interstates or highways in our state, seeing debris on the road or on the side of the road is not uncommon, but this past week I noticed way more road hazards than usual.

And while I was dodging the debris on the interstate, I asked myself why so many vehicles may have been having blowouts.

Could there be other debris on the roads causing this, or could it be that the surface is so hot that it's causing tires to blow? Well, I looked it up, and the extreme temperatures we've been experiencing in our region are causing surface temperatures to soar, which can lead to issues for those traveling long distances and at higher speeds.

According to Doran Manufacturing, scorching asphalt temperatures, high-speed friction, and poor tire maintenance can lead to tire failure, meaning blowouts while the vehicle travels the roadway.

Heat Impact on Tires

As temperatures hit the 90-degree mark and continue to soar, the road surface can reach up to 150-degree farehieht, thus causing issues for the rubber that makes up the exterior of your tires.

No, tires won't "melt," but they can be impacted by extreme temperatures, and if exposed to hot temperatures for a long time at a high rate of speed, you are risking the integrity of the tires.

The manufacturing company highlighted above says, "Sustained high speeds on hot pavement can push internal tire temperatures past 180°F to 200°F. At this point, the structural bonds between the rubber and internal steel belts weaken, causing older or damaged tires to delaminate or explode."

To prevent your tires from being affected by extreme temperatures, you need to monitor or inspect your tires regularly this summer.

Signs Your Tires May Be Damaged

One visual sign that your tire is damaged or worn is tears or bulges. If so, you need to replace it soon and do not travel on a damaged tire at a high rate of speed.

Secondly, if you notice cracking on the wall of your tire, it is susceptible to heat and can pose a danger to you and the occupants in your vehicle. Lastly, if you notice a vibration coming from your tire(s), you have a serious issue on the inside, and it is not safe to continue traveling on it.

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So, if you've noticed more tire debris on the highways or interstates you travel on in recent weeks, the extreme temperatures on the road surface could be impacting tires and causing some to blow out.

I do remind you to stay a safe distance from vehicles in front of you so that, if there is debris on the roadway, you can see it sooner rather than later and avoid hitting it. Until then, stay safe on the roads this summer, and please remember to inspect your tires as temperatures soar in the months ahead.