With the Bank Holiday weekend approaching, motorists across the UK are being urged to perform a simple tyre pressure check before setting off on any journeys. Automotive experts warn that failing to do so could lead to dangerous blowouts, especially as warm weather is forecast.
Why Tyre Pressure Matters in Warm Weather
Tina Newman, automotive specialist at Just Tyres, explains that tyre pressure changes with temperature. For every 10 degrees Celsius rise in ambient heat, pressure increases by around 1 PSI. A tyre that was correctly inflated on a cool morning weeks ago may now be overinflated, and most drivers are unaware.
Long motorway journeys generate additional heat inside the tyre, compounding the effect. Road surface temperatures during a UK heatwave can reach 50 to 60 degrees Celsius, even when air temperatures are in the high twenties. High-speed driving exacerbates the issue.
The Dangers of Overinflated Tyres
Overinflated tyres are less obvious than underinflated ones. Many vehicles do not alert drivers to overinflation, as some Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) only detect low pressure. The vehicle may not handle differently at first, but the contact patch—the part of the tyre in contact with the road—decreases, reducing grip and extending braking distances.
"A tyre that's overinflated is also more vulnerable to impact damage," Newman adds. "Hit a pothole or a kerb on an overinflated tyre and the risk of a blowout is higher than people realise. On a motorway at 70mph, it could be disastrous."
How to Check Tyre Pressure Correctly
Checking tyre pressure is straightforward. Motorists should check pressure before setting off, while tyres are cold—not after driving. Use the manufacturer's recommended pressure, typically found inside the driver's door frame or in the handbook. If pressure is too high, release a small amount and recheck.
While checking, perform a visual inspection of all four tyres. Look for bulging on sidewalls and examine tread depth. Insert a 20p coin into the main groove; if the outer band is visible, tread may be near or below the legal minimum of 1.6mm.
Expert Advice for the Bank Holiday
"People tend to check their tyres in January when everyone's talking about winter driving," says Newman. "But a hot Bank Holiday weekend with a long journey ahead is just as important. The tyres that seemed fine on the school run are about to do something much more demanding."
The entire check takes less than two minutes. For a Bank Holiday weekend, that is probably the most valuable two minutes before locking up the house and packing the car.
Weather Forecast Adds Urgency
This advice comes as scorching conditions are forecast for the weekend, with highs of 30°C expected. The Met Office has stated the UK will experience an "exceptional spell of warmth for May," with temperatures climbing steadily each day before the warmest weather of the year arrives.
