Drivers urged to check before temperatures rise even more (Image: Getty)
Motorists across England are being encouraged to carry out one crucial check on their vehicle before Sunday. Temperatures are expected to soar as high as 30C this weekend, with the Met Office stating: “Much of England and Wales will be dry with plenty of sunshine.”
On Sunday, the weather agency says it will be a “widely hot or even very hot day with places reaching the low 30s in the southeast.” The hot and dry weather is set to continue into bank holiday Monday.
“Clear skies developing for Northern Ireland and Scotland from Tuesday”, the Met Office says. “Temperatures staying in the low 30s across the southeast.” While many will welcome the warmer conditions, it will present a number of safety concerns, particularly for those behind the wheel.
A vital action drivers are urged to do before taking to the road in such hot weather is to check that their tyres are inflated to the correct pressure, in line with manufacturer guidelines. This is typically displayed on the driver’s door frame.
High outdoor temperatures can cause tyres to expand and their pressure to increase, potentially leading to dangerous blowouts. It is essential to routinely inspect and adjust tyre pressure as needed, particularly ahead of hot weather, according to Halfords.
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Why is checking tyre pressure when hot weather arrives so important?
Although tyre pressure typically increases with rising temperatures, it is vital to maintain the pressure level recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer, which is ordinarily found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door. Exceeding the recommended pressure limits can result in a less comfortable driving experience and may even damage your tyres.
To establish the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle, consult the label inside the driver’s door or on the fuel cap. You can also refer to your owner’s manual for this information.
Some newer vehicles may show the recommended tyre pressure on the dashboard. The sticker will indicate the appropriate tyre pressure specific to your particular car and its load.
Always inspect tyre pressure when the tyres are cold, meaning the vehicle hasn’t been driven for at least three hours or the tyres have had sufficient time to cool down. Additionally, remember to check the pressure in your spare tyre, as it can lose pressure gradually over time.
If the tyre pressure is low, use an air compressor to inflate the tyres to the recommended pressure. If the tyre pressure is excessive, you can release some air using a pressure gauge or by depressing the valve stem pin with a screwdriver.
As temperatures are set to climb, people in UK are urged to make several checks (Image: Getty)
How does hot weather affect tyre pressure?
- As temperatures climb, the air within tyres expands, increasing pressure.
- Tyres that are overinflated, particularly in warm weather, are at a higher risk of blowouts.
- Excessive pressure can cause tyres to wear out more quickly, especially in hot conditions.
- When tyres overheat, they may lose traction, which can extend braking distances and make the vehicle more difficult to control.
Warm weather typically increases tyre pressure because the air inside the tyre expands. Conversely, cold weather causes tyre pressure to drop as the air within contracts.
As temperatures rise, the air molecules inside the tyre gain energy and move more rapidly, causing them to expand and occupy more space. This expansion subsequently increases tyre pressure. For every 10C rise in temperature, tyre pressure generally increases by approximately 0.1 bar (1.45 PSI).
Understanding this relationship is vital for maintaining correct tyre pressure, particularly during warm weather, as overinflated tyres can present hazards and affect driving performance. Experts at Protyre recommend checking tyre pressure more frequently during hot weather, especially throughout heatwaves.
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How can you identify an overheated tyre?
The materials used in tyres, and their black colour, make them particularly effective at absorbing heat. If they feel hot to the touch, it suggests they are approaching the point of overheating.
It’s essential to stop driving and allow the tyres to cool down. As tyre temperature increases, so does the pressure. Releasing some air could be a sensible remedy for overheated tyres. However, exercise caution, as this could result in underinflation once temperatures return to normal.