UK drivers urged to read important label in their car by Wednesday

Motorists are being advised to make an important check on their cars this week as the UK braces for a heatwave.

Motorists across the UK are being advised to carry out an important check on their vehicles before Wednesday this week. The Met Office has forecast temperatures to soar as high as 27C in the coming days, stating: “A change in wind direction by mid-week will likely bring some very warm and humid weather our way.”

While many will be pleased with the heatwave following a chilly and damp weekend and start of the week, it does present several safety hazards, particularly for drivers. The latest Met Office UK outlook for Wednesday to Friday (June 11-13) suggests it will become increasingly warm and humid, feeling particularly hot in the south.

“Plenty of dry and fine weather, but thundery showers will likely move northwards during Thursday and later on Friday,” a Met Office spokesperson said. The mercury is expected to hit 25C across much of England on Wednesday and Thursday, potentially rising to 27C on Friday.

As the weather heats up, drivers should focus on staying cool and hydrated and ensuring their cars are in good working order. Key steps include checking tyres, fluids, and the cooling system, as well as ensuring the car is well-ventilated, reports the Express. Another vital step is to ensure tyres have the correct pressure, as per your car manufacturer’s guidance. This is typically found on a label on the inside of the driver’s car door.

High temperatures can cause tyre expansion and an increase in pressure, which could lead to blowouts and can impact handling and braking. To avoid these problems, it’s important to check and adjust your tire pressure regularly, especially ahead of a hot spell.

Why checking tyre pressure is important

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is vital for safe and efficient driving. National Tyres and Autocare explains that underinflated tyres can negatively impact fuel efficiency. Keeping the right tyre pressure, particularly during the summer months, is essential for safety, extending tire life, and improving fuel efficiency.

While tyre pressure typically increases with higher temperatures, it’s essential to keep the pressure at the level suggested by your car’s manufacturer, usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door. Exceeding the recommended limits can lead to a less comfortable drive and could even damage your tyres.

To find the right tyre pressure for your vehicle, look at the label located inside the driver’s door or on the fuel cap. Your owner’s manual will also provide this information. Some newer vehicles may display the recommended tyre pressure on the dashboard. The label will indicate the recommended tyre pressure tailored to your specific car and its load.

Always ensure to check the tyre pressure when the tyres are cold, which means the car hasn’t been driven for at least three hours or the tyres have had time to cool down. Don’t forget to also check the pressure in your spare tyre, as it can lose pressure over time as well.

If the tyre pressure is low, utilise an air compressor to inflate the tyres up to the recommended pressure. If the tyre pressure is too high, you can release some air by using a pressure gauge or by pressing the pin on the valve stem with a screwdriver.

How to check tyre pressure

To measure tire pressure, you will require a pressure gauge and be aware of the suggested pressure for your vehicle. Start by taking off the valve cap, then connect the gauge and observe the reading. Next, compare this reading to the recommended pressure, which is usually located on a sticker inside the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual.

The RAC has provided a guide that explains each step. To check your tyre pressure, you must:

1. Ensure the vehicle is parked safely, with the engine switched off and the handbrake engaged
2. Make a note of your car’s correct tyre pressure – this will be detailed in the owner’s manual and also be on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame (identified in PSI and BAR)
3. Ensure you have a high-quality tyre pressure gauge to hand – digital gauges are popular with car owners
4. Remove the valve dust cap from the tyre valve and place the pressure gauge onto the tyre valve stem
5. Press down the gauge evenly on the valve stem to ensure you get an accurate reading
6. Check the reading on the pressure gauge to determine if you’ll need to deflate or inflate your tyres
7. If your tyres need inflating, use a suitable pump and avoid over-inflation by adding small amounts of air at a time
8. If your tyres need deflating, use the tip of a flat-head screwdriver to push on the metal pin on the valve stem to release air
9. Take regular measurements with the pressure gauge between inflating and deflating
10. Check the pressure of your car’s spare tyre (if it has one)

How does hot weather affect tyre pressure?

Typically, warm weather increases tyre pressure since the air within the tyre expands when heated. Conversely, cold weather decreases tyre pressure as the air inside contracts.

As the temperature rises, the air molecules within the tyre gain energy and move more rapidly, leading to their expansion and an increase in the space they occupy. This expansion subsequently raises the tyre pressure. For every 10C rise in temperature, the tyre pressure generally increases by about 0.1 bar (1.45 PSI).

Understanding this relationship is vital for maintaining tyre pressure at the correct level, particularly in warm weather. Overinflated tyres can pose risks and impact driving performance. Experts at Protyre suggest that it’s prudent to check tyre pressure more frequently during hot weather, especially during heat waves.

How can you identify an overheated tyre?

The materials utilised in tyres and their black colour make them excellent at soaking up heat. If they feel warm to the touch, it suggests they are on the brink of overheating.

Stop driving and let the tyres cool off. As the tyre temperature rises, so does the pressure. Letting out some air might be a wise remedy for overheated tyres. However, tread carefully, as this could result in underinflation once the temperature stabilises.