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Summer heat could prove dangerous on your tyres as drivers warned over blowout and breakdown danger
As temperatures remain above average across much of the UK this summer, motorists are being urged to pay closer attention to their tyres, with insurance experts warning that hot weather can increase the risk of dangerous blowouts and breakdowns.
According to Quotezone.co.uk, rising temperatures can cause tyre pressures to increase, potentially leaving already inflated tyres over the recommended limit. The warning comes as many families prepare for summer road trips, when vehicles are often carrying heavier loads and travelling longer distances.
Tyre defects remain one of the leading causes of roadside breakdowns. One in five vehicle breakdowns on motorways and major A roads are linked to tyre problems, while recent campaign data suggests 21% of drivers who have experienced a motorway breakdown believe it could have been avoided through basic pre-journey tyre checks.
Higher ambient temperatures naturally increase the air pressure inside tyres. For every 10 degrees Celsius increase in temperature, tyre pressure can rise by around one to two PSI. While that may appear modest, it can be enough to push tyres beyond their recommended operating pressure, reducing the amount of rubber in contact with the road.
Overinflated tyres can compromise grip, handling and braking performance, while also increasing the likelihood of a tyre failure at higher speeds. Combined with fully loaded vehicles during the holiday season, the additional stress placed on tyres can further increase the risk of a blowout.
Greg Wilson, CEO and car insurance expert 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.”
Quotezone is advising motorists to check tyre pressures only when tyres are cold, using the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended settings rather than the maximum figure displayed on the tyre sidewall. Drivers should also inspect tyres for cuts, bulges and excessive wear before travelling.
Although the legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, many tyre safety specialists recommend replacing tyres once tread reaches around 3mm to maintain better wet weather performance. Motorists are also reminded not to overlook spare tyres, which may require a different pressure to the tyres fitted to the vehicle.
The warning serves as a timely reminder for taxi and private hire drivers, many of whom spend extended periods on the road during the summer months. With high daily mileages, frequent motorway journeys and passengers’ luggage adding to vehicle weight, regular tyre inspections remain one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of costly downtime and improve road safety.
