Motorists throughout England are being advised to carry out one crucial vehicle inspection before Wednesday this week due to the hot weather.
Temperatures are predicted to soar as high as 34C in the forthcoming days, with the Met Office reporting: "Many areas will experience high temperatures and humid conditions, especially in the south, although there will be heavy, thundery showers in some places."
According to the most recent Met Office UK forecast, conditions will become progressively warm and muggy, feeling particularly sweltering in southern regions. On Tuesday (August 12), temperatures in the Midlands could reach 34C. It'll be a similar picture for the rest of the week, with the heat to be severe for many parts of England on Wednesday (August 13)
Further ahead, the Met Office website's latest outlook for August 14 to 16 says: "Largely dry overnight next few days, although some showers and thunderstorms are possible in Scotland on Thursday. Sunny for many, but clouding over at times in the north.
Whilst many will embrace the warmth following a mild couple of weeks, it will create numerous safety hazards, particularly for motorists.
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As scorching weather approaches, drivers ought to focus on remaining cool and well-hydrated while ensuring their vehicles are in optimal condition. Vital measures include examining tyres, fluids, and the cooling system, as well as guaranteeing the car is properly ventilated and the driver is consuming adequate water.
Another crucial measure is to confirm tyres maintain the proper pressure, according to your vehicle manufacturer's specifications, which is typically located on the driver's door. Rising temperatures are putting motorists at risk of dangerous tyre blowouts, with summer heat causing overinflated tyres and reduced traction.
One in five vehicle breakdowns on motorways and A roads results from tyre defects. A recent campaign found that 21% of drivers who have broken down on the motorway say it could have been avoided if they’d conducted proper tyre checks before starting their journey.
How hot will it get this week? ??????️
Many areas will experience high temperatures and humid conditions, especially in the south, although there will be heavy, thundery showers in some places ⛈️
Watch our latest Week Ahead forecast for more details ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/6lhZJBTvvd
While motorists are well aware of the importance of checking tyre conditions during winter, it’s just as crucial to check tyres throughout the summer months, particularly during a heatwave.
For every 10 degrees Celsius rise in temperature, tyre pressure can go up by about 1–2 PSI (pounds per square inch) - meaning tyres already at the upper limit could become overinflated when hot. Overinflated tyres lead to a number of serious safety concerns for motorists, including reduced grip and traction, less responsive handling, and a higher risk of tyre blowouts, which can be particularly dangerous at high speeds.
Before setting off on long journeys this summer, motorists are warned to carry out a few simple checks to stay safe on the road and avoid costly breakdowns.
Greg Wilson, car insurance expert and CEO at Quotezone.co.uk said: "Many drivers carry out safety checks on their tyres throughout winter but often overlook how extreme heat can be just as tough on them. With the summer in full swing and many motorists travelling longer distances across the country on holiday road trips, it’s important to carry out essential safety checks before setting off.
"A quick pressure check could save drivers not only from a costly breakdown, but from a potentially dangerous tyre defect at high speed. It’s essential to know the correct pressure for the vehicle, check the spare tyre, and always be mindful not to overload the vehicle - particularly if heading off on holiday with a boot full of luggage. It only takes a few minutes to check the tyre pressure, but it could make all the difference."
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Although tyre pressure typically increases with higher temperatures, it's vital to maintain the pressure at the level recommended by your car's manufacturer, usually indicated on a sticker inside the driver's side door. Exceeding the suggested limits can lead to a less comfortable drive and could potentially damage your tyres.
To find the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle, refer to the label located inside the driver's door or on the fuel cap. Your owner's manual will also provide this information. Some newer vehicles may display the recommended tyre pressure on the dashboard. The sticker will show the advised tyre pressure tailored to your specific car and its load.
Always ensure to check the tyre pressure when the tyres are cold, meaning the car hasn't been driven for at least three hours or the tyres have had time to cool down. Don't forget to check the pressure in your spare tyre as well, as it can lose pressure over time.
If the tyre pressure is low, utilise an air compressor to inflate the tyres up to the suggested pressure. If the tyre pressure is too high, you can release some air using a pressure gauge or by pressing the pin on the valve stem with a screwdriver.
Warm weather typically causes tyre pressure to rise as the air within the tyre expands when heated. Conversely, cold weather results in a decrease in tyre pressure as the air inside contracts.
As temperatures increase, the air molecules within the tyre gain energy and move more rapidly, leading to their expansion and an increase in the space they occupy. This expansion subsequently raises the tyre pressure. For every 10C rise in temperature, the tyre pressure generally increases by about 0.1 bar (1.45 PSI).
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Understanding this relationship is vital for maintaining the correct tyre pressure, particularly in warm weather, as overinflated tyres can pose risks and affect driving performance. Experts at Protyre suggest that it's prudent to check tyre pressure more frequently during hot weather, especially during heatwaves.
The materials used in tyres and their black colour mean they're good at absorbing heat. If they feel hot to the touch, it indicates they are nearing overheating. It's crucial to stop your driving and allow the tyres to cool down. As the tyre temperature increases, so does the pressure.
Releasing some air might be a sensible solution for overheated tyres. However, exercise caution, as this could lead to underinflation once the temperature normalises.
