Excessive heat during the summer months can have an effect on your tyres, particularly if there is a sudden spike in temperature.

How can the heat impact my tyres?

As the temperatures rise, so does the heat of the air inside your tyres. The hot air expands, causing the pressure to increase which compromises the tyre structure. This can lead to overinflation of the tyres, subsequently resulting in damage such as cracks, tears, or even a blowout.

Generally, for every 10 degrees the temperature increases by, tyre pressure can go up by around 0.1 bar, even if the car hasn’t been driven. Although this seems like a minor amount, any change in pressure can cause problems. Grip can also be impacted, as overheated tyres can lose grip due to degradation of the rubber, which can increase braking distances.

If your tyres feel hot to the touch, this is a clear sign they could be overheating. If you’re travelling a long distance and realise your tyres feel hot, the best form of action is to wait a while for the tyres to cool down before resuming your journey.

When to check my tyre pressure

It’s best to check your tyre pressure each week during a heatwave. Do so when the tyres are cold – several hours after the car was last driven. Otherwise, if you adjust the pressure when the tyres are too warm, the gauge will register that there is more pressure in the tyres than there actually is. Meaning, if you reduce the pressure, the tyres could be underinflated once they have cooled down.

How do I find out my vehicle’s tyre pressure?

You can find your vehicle’s recommended tyre pressures in your handbook. The required pressures will vary depending on the load you are carrying.

Find a detailed guide on how to check your tyre pressures on the AA website through a step-by-step breakdown.

Ensure you have the correct tyres

To ensure the best performance from your tyres in the warmer months it is important that you have the correct tyres. If you have your seasonal tyres on or you purchased a car with winter tyres fitted, consider swapping them to a set of all-season tyres or specific summer tyres as these are recommended when the average daily temperature reaches above 7°C (44.6°F). It’s vital to check which tyres are currently on your vehicle and if they are suitable.

Fitting appropriate tyres for the conditions may improve the fuel efficiency of your vehicle and reduce wear as winter tyres may become hard and brittle in the hotter weather, increasing friction.

You can check out our blog on tips for switching to summer tyres.

For help checking tyre pressure or for further advice on staying safe in the heat, visit your nearest Davanti which you can find using our dealer locator.

Tagged: Hot Weather Driving

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