As the UK experiences temperatures exceeding 30°C this week, car insurance experts at MoneySuperMarket are warning motorists about parking mistakes that become more risky in hot weather. Higher temperatures cause tyre pressure to increase, raising the risk of tyre damage or costly blowouts. Forgetting standard car checks and parking in risky ways could result in a burst tyre and a potential insurance claim.
Three Parking Positions to Avoid in Hot Weather
MoneySuperMarket urges drivers to avoid three parking positions that can compromise tyre pressure:
- Wheels turned fully to one side: This puts strain on the sidewalls of front tyres, especially if parked for long periods. Sidewall stress can cause rubber fatigue in hotter temperatures, and in extreme cases, rubber may crack.
- One side of the car on a kerb or raised surface: It is illegal to obstruct pedestrian paths in London and Scotland, and the Department for Transport may align the rest of the UK with this law. In a heatwave, uneven tyre loading compresses the tyre unevenly, causing premature wear.
- Parking on tarmac or metal grates: Hot surfaces can reach over 50°C in summer sun, causing heat radiation and rapid air expansion inside the tyre. It is best to park in a shaded area, on gravel, or on lighter coloured surfaces.
MoneySuperMarket car insurance expert Alicia Hempsted says: “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
Drivers should follow UK-specific advice. Alicia adds: “Due to our unique and changeable climate, 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.”
Three Tyre Safety Checks During Hot Weather
- Check tyre pressure: Always measure when tyres are cold (after parking or first thing in the morning). Pressure rises in warmer conditions, so inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended level.
- 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. Replace or repair tyres before driving in high temperatures.
- Avoid over-inflating: Over-inflated tyres are more likely to rupture in heat, as hot air expands rapidly. Overpressure also reduces grip and causes uneven wear, so stick to the correct PSI.
To avoid expensive tyre changes and protect your no claims bonus, follow these checks during hot weather.
