As the UK heat pushes temperatures into the 30s, experts are urging drivers to check their tyre pressure to prevent potentially dangerous blowouts. The AA warns that hot weather, especially during heavy traffic, puts considerable strain on vehicles and significantly raises the risk of engine failure.
Why Heat Affects Tyre Pressure
In hot weather, the air inside tyres expands, pushing up pressure by roughly 0.1 to 0.2 bar for every 10°C rise in temperature. This may sound small, but it could prove critical when a tyre is already on the verge of a blowout, according to the Express. As outside temperatures climb to extreme levels, the pressure inside tyres rises accordingly.
A tyre that was perfectly inflated in cooler months could become dangerously over-inflated during a July heatwave. The AA said: "After several days of heatwave conditions, it is important that drivers do not become complacent."
Free and Low-Cost Checks Available
Getting tyre pressure checked and adjusted is surprisingly affordable, and in many cases completely free. Major national tyre and autocare chains across the UK—including Halfords, Kwik Fit, National Tyres, and Protyre—will carry out a full visual tyre inspection and pressure check at no cost.
If your car is less than ten years old, it likely has a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Under both EU and UK legislation, all new passenger vehicles sold since November 2014 must be equipped with TPMS, which triggers a yellow warning light on the dashboard when pressure drops too low.
How to Fix Tyre Pressure Issues
Depending on the problem, the solution could cost next to nothing or require a brand-new tyre. For low pressure, topping up with air costs less than £1 at most UK supermarkets and garage forecourts, which have digital machines that clip onto the tyre valve.
In some cases, a low-pressure tyre cannot legally or safely be repaired according to UK safety standards, and replacing the tyre entirely is the only option. Depending on the vehicle, a budget tyre costs around £50-£90, while premium brands range from £140 to £350 per tyre.
Releasing high tyre pressure is free and can be done at home or at any petrol station forecourt in minutes. Follow these steps:
- Find your target number: Open the driver's door and look for the tyre placard sticker on the door frame or check the fuel filler cap for the exact cold inflation pressure.
- Remove the valve cap: Unscrew the small plastic cap on the tyre's air valve and keep it safe.
- Depress the centre pin: Use a small tool like a car key, pen, or tyre pressure gauge to gently press the tiny metal pin in the centre of the valve tip.
- Let air out in short bursts: Press the pin for three to five seconds at a time, then check the pressure. Repeat until the tyre reaches the target number.
Additional Heatwave Driving Tips
Beyond tyre checks, the AA advises checking fluid levels, ensuring tyre pressure is set correctly, and carrying water to help prevent overheating and breakdowns in sweltering conditions. Scorching tarmac combined with incorrect tyre pressure is a recipe for a high-speed blowout, which could lead to an entirely preventable accident.
