As UK temperatures soar above 30°C this week, motoring insurance specialists at MoneySuperMarket are alerting drivers to parking errors that become more prevalent in such conditions. During hot spells, the likelihood of tyre damage or expensive blowouts rises significantly, as soaring temperatures trigger fluctuations in tyre pressure.
Overlooking routine vehicle checks and unwittingly parking in hazardous positions could result in a costly tyre burst, potentially leaving you facing a car insurance claim. As air temperature climbs, the air within a car's tyres expands, causing tyre pressure to rise and PSI levels to shift.
Three Car Parking Positions to Avoid in Hot Weather
With the Met Office confirming that temperatures are continuing to top 30 degrees Celsius across parts of the UK this week, MoneySuperMarket is calling on motorists to steer clear of three potentially perilous parking positions that can compromise tyre pressure.
Wheels Turned Fully to One Side
This can put unnecessary strain on the sidewalls of 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.
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.
Parking on Tarmac or Metal Grates Which Get Hot
Hot surfaces in contact with tyres can cause heat radiation and rapid air expansion inside the tyre. Because tarmac and metal grates or surfaces can reach over 50 °C in summer sun, it’s best to park in a shaded area, on gravel, or on lighter coloured surfaces.
Insurance Implications and Expert Advice
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 Conditions
Motorists basing their decisions on weather conditions should always adhere to UK guidance, Alice adds: "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. UK drivers need to be aware of only following online advice that adheres to this country's safety standards."
Three Tyre Safety Checks During Hot Weather
To avoid expensive tyre changes, and protect your no claims bonus, follow these three tyre safety checks during hot weather:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
