The weather is set to finally start getting warmer and experts have moved to advise motorists

As the UK braces for a surge in temperatures, motorists are being warned about the potential risk of tyre damage due to the heat. The rise in mercury can cause the air pressure inside tyres to increase, even when your car hasn’t moved an inch.

This spike in pressure can wreak havoc on your tyres, with the threat of them bursting under the strain. Select Car Leasing‘s managing director, Graham Conway, has offered advice on how to protect your tyres during a heatwave, reports the Mirror.

He said: “When events like heatwaves occur, there are measures that drivers can take to prevent their tyres from overinflating or popping. The first step you should take as a driver is to make sure that your tyres are inflated to the recommended level.”

Conway continued, highlighting the importance of vehicle-specific guidelines: “The recommended level for safe driving varies between vehicles and manufacturers. The recommended level for your vehicle should be written in the owner’s manual that came with your vehicle.”

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He also stressed the need for regular checks, he said: “When you are on the road, keep doing regular checks of your tyres with a gauge, especially when driving in the heat. Don’t be afraid to do a check every few hours, as you can never be too cautious.

“If your tyres are showing signs of overheating, take your vehicle to a place where it can cool down. Do not be tempted into letting a little air of your tyres manually, as this could lead them to become underinflated, which is equally as dangerous.”

Graham suggests regular tyre maintenance as a preventative measure against heat-related damage, advising the use of a specific tyre dressing or protectant to deter ‘sidewall dry rot’. He also proposes investing in a tyre pressure gauge, which typically costs £10. Although in-car tyre pressure warning lights are effective indicators of low air pressure, they do not alert drivers when there’s excessive pressure.

Graham gives easy-to-follow guidance on checking if your tyres are suffering from overheating: “When your tyre is overheating it will be hot to the touch. If it causes you physical discomfort to touch your tyre with your hand, this is a clear indication of overheating.” If your tyres appear cracked and dry, this could be another sign that the heat is causing harm and you should have them checked.