UK drivers issued urgent warning as temperatures spike

Temperatures are expected to reach highs of 28°c across the UK this weekend, including Oxfordshire.

In light of this, motorists are being warned about the impact heat can have on their tyres and the risks it may pose.

James Harding, a tyre specialist at Blackcircles with over 16 years of industry experience, has shared the following:

Be aware of your tyre pressure

“Hot weather can affect your tyre pressure. In hot conditions, the air inside a tyre will expand,” he said.

“This increases the tyre’s pressure, giving a false high reading. For every 10°c increase in temperature, tyre pressure will increase by around 0.1-0.2 bar.

“For a more accurate reading, check your tyre pressure when the tyres are cool, before driving for the day, or after letting the car rest in the shade.

“If tyres are overinflated, they’re less likely to withstand impact from the road, making them more prone to blowouts.

“If tyres are underinflated, the tyre wall is more likely to flex under pressure, increasing the risk of tyre blowouts and decreasing road resistance.”

Regularly check tyres for wear and damage

“The risk of tyres melting due to high temperatures is extremely unlikely in the UK; however, hot weather can accelerate tyre degradation,” he added.

“Therefore, regularly checking tyre tread depth for accelerated wear is important. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm.

“A good way to check your tyre tread depth is to place a 20p coin between the main grooves of the tyre.

“If you can see the coin’s outer band, the tyre may have insufficient tread.

“Be sure to check for other damage too, such as side wall bulging, cracking, and hardening, as these can increase the risk of accidents.”

The financial impact of damaged tyres

“Regularly checking your tyres is crucial year-round,” added James.

“However, as heat accelerates degradation, summer checks are even more important for both safety and finances.

“When caught driving on worn, illegal tyres, you will likely receive a £2,500 fine and three points on your licence.

“This is the case for each unlawful tyre. If you are driving with insufficient tread depth on your tyres, their braking, handling, and stability are compromised, increasing the risk of an accident.

“Therefore, replacing your tyres is much more affordable than facing the fines associated with ignoring the warning signs and tyre wear.”