Southern California’s relentless heat wave is adding another hazard to the morning commute, with officials urging drivers to inspect their tires before heading out.
Temperatures climbing into the triple digits can cause tires to overinflate, crack or blow out, potentially increasing the risk of a serious 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.
A tire blowout can be particularly dangerous, and officials say underinflation is the leading cause. If a blowout occurs, drivers should remain calm, keep control of the vehicle, safely pull to the side of the road and call 911 for help.
Extreme heat can also raise tire pressure, resulting in higher readings while a vehicle is on the road. The Department of Transportation warns that overinflated tires may affect handling and safety. Tire pressure typically increases by about one pound per square inch for every 10-degree rise in temperature.
MORE STORY: Christa Pike’s Former Satanist Boyfriend May Be Freed in 5 Years
Drivers should check that their tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level and examine the tread with a penny. Insert the penny into the shallowest groove with Abraham Lincoln’s head facing down. If his head is covered, the tread is generally considered adequate; if his head or hairline remains visible, it may be time to replace the tire.
The ongoing Southern California heat wave has also shattered October records. According to the National Weather Service, downtown Los Angeles has experienced its longest-ever October run of four consecutive days with temperatures reaching triple digits, tying the record for the longest such streak at any point this year.
Nine daily high-temperature records were broken across the region, including in downtown Los Angeles, Oxnard, Camarillo, LAX, Burbank, Long Beach, Woodland Hills and Santa Ana.
Extreme heat warnings continue across large portions of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Residents are encouraged to reduce outdoor activity, drink plenty of fluids and check on family members, friends and neighbors who may be vulnerable to the heat.
CBS LA Chief Meteorologist Paul Deanno described the intensity of the heat wave as “rare territory” for Los Angeles.
“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.”