Every driver in the UK should move their cars before Friday, with the UK heatwave likely to cause serious damage to tyres. Experts have warned that parking on tarmac or metal grates could backfire, with tyres likely to be impacted in the hot weather.
Instead, road users have been told to move their vehicles to a more shaded area in a bid to protect their rubber. Tyres are one of the most important components on any vehicle as they act as the contact patch between a car and the road surface. However, negligence in extreme heat could see tyres become seriously damaged, offering serious safety consequences for road users.
Experts at MoneySuperMarket explained: “Hot surfaces in contact with tyres can cause heat radiation and rapid air expansion inside the tyre. Because tarmac and metal grates or surfaces can reach over 50 °C in summer sun, it’s best to park in a shaded area, on gravel, or on lighter coloured surfaces.”
Specialists at the comparison site stressed this wasn’t the only parking manoeuvre road users should follow. Motorists have also been told to never leave their wheels turned fully to one side in periods of hot weather as this can put unnecessary strain on the sidewalls.
Extra sidewall stress on the tyre can cause rubber fatigue in hotter temperatures and may lead the rubber to crack. Finally, MoneySuperMarket added that parking on the pavement could also cause problems with tyres likely to be affected by “premature wear”.
MoneySuperMarket added: “As well as obstructing pedestrians, during a heatwave, this uneven tyre loading means one side of the car bears more weight and compresses the tyre unevenly; this issue is exacerbated in hot weather and can cause premature wear.” The warning comes as the UK enjoys its latest heatwave with temperatures in the high 20s in London across Thursday.
However, Friday is set to be the warmest day with the Met Office predicting highs of 30 Celsius in the capital before temperatures drop to the mid-20s over the weekend. Other motoring specialists have also warned how heat can have a serious impact on tyres.
Experts at Motorway added: “When the weather gets warm, it’s important to pay attention to your tyres, which can suffer during extreme heat. Heat can increase air pressure, which can lead to overinflation, so always check your tyre pressure to avoid any risk of blowouts.
“While you’re at it, now’s a good time to take a close look at your tyres to check for any bubbles or cracks that may worsen in the heat, along with your tread, to ensure you’re able to grip the road when it’s hotter.”
