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Category: Tips & News

Big ATV wheel up close in the desert. An important part of an ATV

Top Tips for Summer Tire Maintenance in the Arizona Desert

By West Valley Tires, Buckeye’s Trusted Tire Experts

Summer in Arizona isn’t just hot—it’s extreme. With road temperatures soaring above 150°F, your tires take a serious beating. If you’re driving around Buckeye or heading out on I-10, keeping your tires in top shape is essential—not just for performance, but for your safety.

Here are our top tips to keep your tires desert-ready all summer long:


1. Check Your Tire Pressure Frequently

Arizona’s intense heat causes air in your tires to expand, which can lead to overinflation—or worse, a blowout. On the flip side, tires that were underinflated during cooler mornings can wear faster and affect fuel efficiency.

📌 Tip: Check your tire pressure at least twice a month, ideally in the morning when the tires are cool. Use your vehicle’s recommended PSI found in the driver’s door or owner’s manual.


2. Inspect for Cracks and Dry Rot

Desert heat dries out rubber faster than in cooler climates. This can lead to dry rot—tiny cracks that form on the sidewalls or tread of your tires. If left unchecked, it could cause your tires to fail.

👀 Watch For:

  • Small cracks in the rubber
  • Fading color or brittle texture
  • Bulges or bubbling on the sidewalls

3. Rotate Your Tires Regularly

Buckeye drivers know that between stop-and-go traffic, rough patches of road, and uneven wear from the heat, tire rotation is a must.

🔁 How Often: Every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, or every oil change.


4. Don’t Skip the Alignment & Balancing

If your vehicle pulls to one side or your steering feels off, it’s time for a checkup. Misalignment can cause uneven tire wear, which is even worse in high heat when rubber softens slightly.

⚠️ Bonus: Proper alignment improves fuel efficiency—something we all need with gas prices climbing in the summer months.


5. Watch Your Tread Depth

Good tread helps your car grip the road—even on those slick summer monsoon days. Balding tires are dangerous on hot pavement and can hydroplane during sudden storms.

🛑 Easy Trick: Insert a penny into your tire tread with Lincoln’s head down. If you can see all of his head, it’s time for new tires.


6. Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle

Going on a summer road trip? Keep in mind that overloading your car puts extra pressure on your tires. That, combined with the heat, increases the chance of a blowout.

📦 Pro Tip: Check your vehicle’s max load rating and pack smart.


7. Keep Up With Regular Inspections

Even if everything seems fine, having your tires professionally inspected can catch small issues before they become big ones.

🧰 Swing by [Your Company Name] in Buckeye for a free tire check. We’ll make sure your tires are summer-ready so you can hit the road with confidence.


Buckeye, AZ Tire Services

Your tires are your first line of defense between you and the Arizona asphalt. Don’t wait until you’re stuck on the side of the road in 110°F heat to think about maintenance.

At West Valley Tires, we’ve been helping Buckeye drivers stay safe and cool for years. Whether you need a quick inspection, tire rotation, or a brand-new set, our local experts are here for you.

📍 Visit us today or schedule an appointment online.
Let’s keep you rolling safely through the summer desert heat.

Importance of Regular Oil Change 

If you’re thinking about skipping an oil change, don’t. Your vehicle will not be kind to you if you’re not kind to it. Taking care of your car by maintaining a routinely oil change is essential. Without it, you might as well set the car on fire! Here are why oil changes are crucial to your vehicle’s lifespan… 

After a fresh oil change, you can feel the difference in the engine’s performance. The moving parts in an engine cause friction which produces heat and the oil helps to lubricate the engine, reducing the heat. An oil change also assists in clearing dirt and debris. A properly lubricated and clean engine results in better engine performance.  

Gas prices are constantly going up and hardly coming back down. No matter how much gas costs, it doesn’t change what kind of mileage your vehicle gets… that’s all up to you. Regular oil changes lead to better gas mileage. A dirty engine with old oil causes more friction and more visits to the gas pump.  

Keep your car, truck, or SUV for as long as you can by getting the oil changed when it is due. The newer vehicles typically warn you but on the older ones, you may just have to mark it in your calendar. For any questions or to schedule an oil change, West Valley Tires is here to help! 623-386-6974 

After Road Trip Car Care Check

You’re finally back home after a long drive this past Labor Day weekend… You probably want to get your bags unpacked, kick up your feet, and get settled back in.

Before you return to your daily routine, be sure to check on your vehicle…

1.) Check the tire pressure.

2.) Inspect tire tread wear.

3.) Get brakes tested.

4.) Get fluids checked.

If you need a company you can trust to do your post-trip check, West Valley Tire would enjoy having you come by!

Check out our website and if you have any questions, give us a call. 623-386-6974

Woman changing tire on a road

Labor Day Traveling

As Labor Day approaches, we want to remind everyone to have fun and be safe! 

If you’re traveling, let us check your tires before you hit the road. It wouldn’t be a fun weekend stuck on the side of the highway because of a blown out tire… 

Visit us today!

824 N 1st St, Buckeye, AZ 85326

(623) 386-6974