Drivers are being urged to check their tyre pressures today as experts warn the UK’s latest heatwave could increase the risk of dangerous tyre failures.The warning comes as millions prepare for soaring temperatures, with a yellow heat-health alert in force across large parts of England from Saturday until Wednesday. Forecasters say temperatures could climb into the high 20s and low 30s in some areas next week.
But new research suggests many motorists are failing to carry out one of the simplest safety checks on their vehicle. A survey commissioned by Select Car Leasing found almost half of drivers (49%) have not checked their tyre pressures in the last month. More than a quarter (28%) said they leave it at least two months, while 15% admitted they go three months or longer without checking. Just 23% said they had inspected their tyres within the past week, despite experts recommending weekly checks during periods of hot weather.
Select Car Leasing managing director Graham Conway warned that changing temperatures can have a significant impact on tyre pressure, affecting everything from braking distances to grip on the road.
He said: “The ambient air temperature can affect the pressure inside your car’s tyres. Hot weather can increase tyre pressure, while colder weather can cause it to fall. For every 10°C shift, tyre pressures might go up or down by around 1-2 PSI.
“That might sound like a small fluctuation, but it could still have a knock-on effect when it comes to handling, braking distances, fuel efficiency, tyre wear and safety in general.
“When tyres are underinflated, you could experience excessive heat build-up, potentially leading to tyre failure, the serious consequences of which are all too obvious.
“Overinflated tyres, meanwhile, can reduce grip and make tyres less able to absorb impacts from potholes, increasing the risk of damage.
“The good news is that modern cars will warn you when tyres are underinflated. If you see an illuminated symbol on the dashboard that looks like a flat tyre with an exclamation mark inside it, don’t ignore it. However, not all Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) warn of overinflation, so it’s something motorists should also keep in mind.”
The findings come as the UK Health Security Agency warns the hot spell could increase the risk to life for vulnerable people and place added pressure on health and social care services. Officials have also warned of an increased risk of water-related incidents, including cold water shock and drowning.
The research also found that 24% of drivers last checked their tyre pressures between two and three weeks ago, while 22% said it had been a month. Another 13% had waited two months, 10% between three and five months and 5% admitted it had been six months or more.
With another spell of hot weather on the way, motorists are being reminded that taking a few minutes to check tyre pressures could help improve handling, shorten braking distances and reduce the risk of a potentially dangerous blowout.