How to Prevent Bike Tires from Melting on a Rack

Ever run your hand over your bike tyres after a long summer ride and winced at how hot they seemed? If so, you’re not alone. If you’re putting on miles in the heat on a road trip, hitch mount bike rack strapped to racks can take a severe heading, and if proper precautions are not taken, your tyres could pay the price.

Believe it or not, exposure to extreme sun and constant road use can damage bike tyres and cause them to become soft, crack, or, in the worst casino melt. It’s not common, but it is mainly when driving for hours in the sweltering sun with no shelter.

But don’t worry. A few clever strategies will keep your bicycle tyres, and by extension your body, cool and safe, no matter how hot it gets.

Why Heat Ruins Bike Tires on a Rack

By the way, bike tyres are made of black rubber, to be more precise. And black absorbs heat fast. When your bike is attached via hitch or roof rack, it is entirely out in the open sun, hot pavement, engine heat, and, in some cases, exhaust pipe.

Here’s what happens:

Rubber gets hot fast, and the bike isn’t moving.

Air in the tyre expands and creates additional pressure against the rubber.

Over the years, can so it ten, warp, or crack tyres, causing repeated exposures and permanent damage.

On long road trips or when your vehicle is parked in the sun all day, the heat around your bike can soar to uncomfortable levels perhaps even unsafe. And if you have an e-bike, the tyres are even more susceptible to heat damage.

Easy Tips to Prevent Bike Tyres from Melting

You don’t have to be a professional to protect your bike tyres. Here are some frugal, practical ways to keep from overheating:

Use Reflective Covers

You can use rain bikes or a cover. A reflective or UV-resistant cover bounces sunlight away, cooling the tyres (and frame). opt for light-hued or silver covers to protect your car in the summertime.

Park in the Shade Whenever Possible

It seems obvious, right? But it’s easy to forget. If you’re pausing for lunch or overnight, look for trees, buildings, or the shadiest places. A little bit of shadow can significantly lower surface temperature.

Take off the Tires for Long Trips

Remove the tyres and take them inside your car if you’re not covering many miles quickly. It does take some extra work but ensures they won’t cook in the sun.

Reduce The Tyre Pressure A Bit

Release some air before a hot-weather trip. Not so much   just enough to relieve some pressure from expanding heat. Then, once you’ve arrived at your destination, reinflate them.

 for a Ventilated or Elevated Rack

Some hitch bike rack are orientated for airflow. Go for racks that elevate and space out the bike, etc., particularly from the car’s exhaust and road heat. These design details keep the tyres cooler on long drives.

Do Not Drive During Peak Hours of Heat

If you can, schedule your trips for early mornings or late afternoons. The sun midday is brutal for your car and for your bike.

Rotate the Bike’s Position

Are you carrying multiple bikes? Rotate them on multi-day trips. This helps even out sun exposure and prevents one from taking all the exposure.

Bonus Tools That Help

Several inexpensive items may help extend the life of your tyres:

Reflective UV covers – Keep heat from penetrating and protect all your bike

Tire pressure gauge – check before and after each trip

High-heat greases: prevent parts from drying out in high ambient temperatures

Last-Minute Tips Before You Leave the Road

Check your tyre pressure before you hit the road. Watch for signs of wear, such as cracks or bulging. If your tyres are already well-seasoned, replace them before that summer drive. It’s better to be safe than sorry, I guess?

So, allow your bike a few minutes to cool down before unloading

It. Calling a hot tyre or frame with bare hands can lead to something very ugly.