All drivers are being urged to make a simple check before getting into their cars this Bank Holiday weekend. Motoring expert Tina Newman from Just Tyres has warned motorists to avoid driving unless they follow a straightforward rule to ensure safety on the roads.
Why Tyre Pressure Matters More Than Ever
With pleasant weather forecast across much of the UK, many people are planning road trips or getaways to make the most of the extended weekend. However, drivers may be unaware that something as basic as tyre pressure could create difficulties. This is why all motorists have been encouraged to take action beforehand, as neglecting this check could lead to an awkward or dangerous situation.
Tyre pressure changes with temperature. For roughly every 10 degrees Celsius rise in ambient heat, pressure increases by around 1 PSI. A tyre that read correctly on a cool morning a few weeks ago could now be running noticeably higher than it should, and most drivers have no idea.
This becomes more significant than usual this weekend. Extended motorway trips generate heat within the tyre on top of whatever the weather is doing outside. During a UK heatwave, road surface temperatures can climb to 50 to 60 degrees Celsius, even when air temperature sits in the high twenties, with prolonged high-speed motoring exacerbating the issue.
The Dangers of Overinflated Tyres
The challenge is that overinflated tyres are less noticeable than deflated ones. Many vehicles do not highlight overinflation. While certain Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) track both under and over inflation, numerous models only warn when pressure drops too low, and the vehicle does not necessarily handle differently initially.
However, the contact patch — the section of the tyre actually meeting the road — decreases when pressure exceeds recommended levels, diminishing grip and extending braking distances. Overinflated tyres are also more vulnerable to impact damage. Hitting a pothole or a kerb on an overinflated tyre increases the risk of a blowout more than people realise. On a motorway at 70mph, this could be disastrous.
How to Check and Adjust Tyre Pressure
The positive aspect is that it is straightforward to remedy. Simply inspect your tyre pressure before departing, while the tyres remain cold — not after you have already travelled to the services. Follow the manufacturer's specified pressure, which is typically located inside the driver's door frame or in the handbook. If pressure exceeds the recommended level, release a small quantity and check again. It is also worth carrying out a visual inspection of all four tyres while you are at it. Look for any noticeable bulging on the sidewalls and examine the tread. Press a 20p coin into the main groove — if the outer band of the coin is visible, the tread may be nearing or already below the legal minimum of 1.6mm.
People tend to check their tyres in January when everyone is talking about winter driving, but a hot Bank Holiday weekend with a long journey ahead is just as important a moment to do it. The tyres that seemed fine on the school run all week are about to do something much more demanding.
A Quick Two-Minute Check
The entire check takes under two minutes. For a Bank Holiday weekend, that is arguably the most valuable two minutes you will spend before locking up and packing the car. This guidance comes as scorching temperatures have been predicted this weekend, with sweltering highs of 30 degrees Celsius on the way. The Met Office has stated the UK will experience an exceptional spell of warmth for May, with mercury levels expected to climb daily throughout the remainder of the week before the hottest weather of the year is anticipated to arrive.
