People across England are being urged to make one important check on their car before Wednesday this week. The temperature is forecast to rise as high as 27C in the coming days as the Met Office says: “A change in wind direction by mid-week will likely bring some very warm and humid weather our way.”
While many will welcome the heat after a cool and damp weekend and start to the week, it will pose several safety risks, especially to anyone who drives. According to the latest Met Office UK outlook for Wednesday to Friday (June 11-13), it will be turning increasingly warm and humid and feeling hot in the south.
The government agency adds: “Plenty of dry and fine weather, but thundery showers will likely move northwards during Thursday and later on Friday.” The mercury looks set to reach 25C across much of England on Wednesday and Thursday, and potentially as high as 27C on Friday.
As hot weather sets in, drivers should prioritise staying cool and hydrated and ensuring their vehicles are in good condition. Essential steps involve inspecting tyres, fluids, and the cooling system, as well as making sure the car is well-ventilated and that the driver is drinking enough water.
Another important step is to ensure tyres have the correct pressure, as per your car manufacturer’s guidance, which is usually found on the driver’s car door. High temperatures outside can lead to tyre expansion and a rise in pressure, which may result in blowouts.
It’s important to regularly check and adjust tire pressure as necessary, particularly ahead of a spell of hot weather, according to Halfords.
Why is checking tire pressure when hot weather hits crucial?
- As temperatures climb, the air within tires expands, leading to a rise in pressure.
- Tyres that are overinflated, particularly in warm weather, are at a higher risk of blowouts.
- Excessive pressure can cause tires to wear out more quickly, especially in hot conditions.
- When tires overheat, they may lose traction, which can extend braking distances and make the vehicle more difficult to control.
Maintaining the proper tire pressure is crucial for safe and efficient driving. According to National Tyres and Autocare, underinflated tires can adversely affect fuel efficiency.
Although tire pressure typically rises with higher temperatures, it’s important to keep the pressure at the level suggested by your car’s manufacturer, usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door. Raising the pressure above the recommended limits can result in a less comfortable driving experience and may even harm your tires.
To find the right tire pressure for your vehicle, check the label located inside the driver’s door or on the fuel cap. You can also refer to your owner’s manual for this information. Some newer vehicles may display the recommended tire pressure on the dashboard. The sticker will indicate the recommended tire pressure tailored to your specific car and its load.
Always check the tire pressure when the tires are cold, which means the car hasn’t been driven for at least three hours or the tires have had time to cool down. Also, remember to check the pressure in your spare tire, as it can lose pressure over time, too.
If the tire pressure is low, use an air compressor to pump the tires up to the suggested pressure. If the tire pressure is excessive, you can let out some air by using a pressure gauge or by pressing the pin on the valve stem with a screwdriver.
How does hot weather affect tyre pressure?
Warm weather typically raises tire pressure since the air within the tire expands when heated. On the other hand, cold weather results in a drop in tire pressure as the air inside contracts.
As the temperature goes up, the air molecules within the tire acquire energy and move more quickly, which leads to their expansion and an increase in the space they occupy. This expansion subsequently raises the tire pressure. For every 10C rise in temperature, the tire pressure generally increases by about 0.1 bar (1.45 PSI).
Grasping this connection is crucial for keeping the tire pressure at the right level, particularly in warm weather, since overinflated tires can pose risks and impact driving performance. Experts at Protyre suggest that it’s wise to check tire pressure more often during hot weather, especially during heat waves.
How can you identify an overheated tyre?
The materials used in tyres and their black colour mean they’re good at absorbing heat. If they feel hot when touched, it indicates they are nearing overheating.
It’s essential to pause your driving and allow the tyres to cool down. As the tyre temperature increases, so does the pressure. Releasing some air might be a sensible solution for overheated tyres. However, exercise caution, as this could lead to underinflation once the temperature normalises.