A leading motoring expert has issued an urgent warning for all drivers to check their tyre pressures as the UK braces for a heatwave that could heighten the risk of dangerous tyre failures. The advisory comes as a yellow heat-health alert is in effect across much of England from Saturday through Wednesday, with temperatures forecast to reach the high 20s and low 30s Celsius in some areas.
Survey Reveals Widespread Neglect of Tyre Checks
New research commissioned by Select Car Leasing indicates that a significant number of motorists are neglecting this simple but crucial safety measure. The survey found that nearly half of drivers (49%) have not checked their tyre pressures in the past month. More than a quarter (28%) wait at least two months, while 15% admitted to going three months or longer without inspecting their tyres. Only 23% said they had checked their tyres within the last week, despite expert recommendations for weekly checks during hot weather.
Expert Warning on Temperature Effects
Graham Conway, Managing Director of Select Car Leasing, explained that fluctuating temperatures can significantly affect tyre pressure, with consequences for braking distances, grip, and overall safety. He stated: "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."
Conway emphasised that even small pressure changes can have a notable impact: "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." He warned that underinflated tyres can lead to excessive heat build-up and potentially tyre failure, while overinflated tyres reduce grip and increase susceptibility to pothole damage.
Modern Cars Offer Warnings, But Not All
Conway noted that most modern vehicles are equipped with Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) that alert drivers when tyres are underinflated. However, he cautioned that not all systems detect overinflation, so motorists should remain vigilant. "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," he advised.
Broader Health and Safety Concerns
The warning coincides with a UK Health Security Agency alert highlighting that the hot spell could increase risks for vulnerable individuals and place additional strain on health and social care services. Officials have also cautioned about a heightened risk of water-related incidents, including cold water shock and drowning.
The survey further detailed that 24% of drivers last checked their tyre pressures between two and three weeks ago, 22% said it had been a month, 13% waited two months, 10% between three and five months, and 5% admitted it had been six months or more. With another heatwave approaching, motorists are reminded that a few minutes spent checking tyre pressures can improve handling, shorten braking distances, and reduce the likelihood of a potentially dangerous blowout.
