Warning to check your tyre pressure after latest heatwave

After the latest heatwave in the UK, with some parts of the country experiencing heights of 30°C heat last week, drivers should check their tyre pressure.

Due to higher temperatures causing a change in tyre pressure, there may be increased risk of tyre damage or costly blowouts in summer. As the air temperature increases, the air inside a car’s tyres will expand, leading to an increase in tyre pressure and change in PSI.

Forgetting standard car checks and unknowingly parking in risky ways could result in a costly burst tyre and leave you considering a car insurance claim.

Check your tyre pressure and in future avoid these dangerous parking positions as they can compromise tyre pressure: 

Three car parking positions to avoid in hot weather 

1. Wheels turned fully to one side 
This can put unnecessary strain on the sidewalls on front tyres, especially if the car will be parked for a long period of time. This sidewall stress on the tyre can cause rubber fatigue in hotter temperatures and in extreme cases could even cause the rubber to crack. 

2. One side of the car on a kerb or raised surface 
It is illegal to obstruct the path for pedestrians in London and Scotland, and the Department for Transport is reportedly considering aligning the rest of the UK with this anti-kerb mounting parking law.

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. 

3. Parking on tarmac or metal grates
Hot surfaces in contact with tyres can cause heat radiation and rapid air expansion inside the tyre. Because tarmac and metal grates can reach over 50 °C in summer sun, it’s best to park in a shaded area, on gravel, or on lighter coloured surfaces. 
 

Alicia Hempsted
Insurance Expert

Prevention is key to saving money on new tyres

We take precautions to protect our cars, ourselves as drivers, and our insurance premiums when the weather drops to freezing, so the same should apply when the weather heats up too.

Insurance policies won’t cover tyre blowouts caused by wear or neglect, so it’s essential to know what your policy includes, and take action to help avoid damage when parking your vehicle during hot weather.

Beware of online advice not suited to UK weather conditions 

Drivers making decisions based on the weather should always follow UK advice that adheres to this country’s safety standards..

Due to our unique and changeable climate here, a lot of advice online can sometimes be irrelevant for UK motorists. For example, some online communities recommend releasing tyre pressure after heat-related expansion; a practice that contradicts UK standard safety instructions which is to only adjust pressure when tyres are cold.

To avoid expensive tyre changes, and protect your no claims bonus, follow these three tyre safety checks during hot weather: 

1. Check tyre pressure 
   Always measure tyre pressure when tyres are cold (after the car has been parked or first thing in the morning). Pressure naturally rises in warmer conditions, so always inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended level, not above. 

2. Inspect for wear and tear 
   Damage that seems minor in average temperatures can worsen in extreme heat. Sidewall cracks or worn tread may cause sudden blowouts. If you spot visible damage, replace or repair tyres before driving in high temperatures. 

3. Avoid over-inflating  
   Over-inflated tyres can be more likely to rupture in heat, as hot air expands rapidly inside the tyre. Overpressure also makes tyres stiffer, reducing grip and causing uneven wear on hot road surfaces, so stick to the correct PSI.