Car tyres at risk of ‘popping’ this weekend as temperatures soar in mini-heatwave
Motorists could be caught out by tyre damage this weekend with hot weather set to cause havoc for road users.
Tyres could “over-inflate” or explode this weekend with temperatures set to soar across the UK in a mini-heatwave.
Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, warned tyres could burst due to extreme heat in a major threat to anyone hoping to get behind the wheel.
Temperatures could reach as high as 30C in Southern England on Friday and Saturday, with vehicles likely to feel the strain.
Tyres are the most important part of a vehicle and are one of the most susceptible to changes in weather conditions.
It means motorists could face “wear and tear” as well as battling extreme safety concerns such as blowouts.
Graham explained: “When your vehicle’s tyres are exposed to hot temperatures, they are susceptible to wear and tear, over-inflation and even popping. There are several factors involved in this.
“Firstly, your tyres are made of rubber, which while designed to have a high resistance to heat build-up, has a breaking point.
“Think of your tyres as being like rubber balloons. They can only withstand a certain amount of air being put into them before they overinflate and burst.
“Your tyres contain a quantity of compressed air. Like all materials, this is made up of atoms and molecules that react to heat.
“When molecules heat up they begin to vibrate, which causes them to expand. The hotter things get, the more the compressed air pushes against its container - your tyres.
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“Another reason why heat can damage your tyres is friction. When your vehicle is moving, the rubbing of your tyres against the road generates a good deal of friction.
“Friction creates heat, and so naturally makes your tyres hot. During a heatwave, friction will cause your tyres to become even hotter than usual.”
Motoring parts store Halfords has warned there is a “significant risk” tyres could give up on drivers.
They said: “When your tyre pressure is too high, it can significantly increase the risk of a blowout.
“Also, less of the tread is in contact with the road, reducing traction. You're less safe as a result, and you'll notice less responsive handling while driving.”
Breakdown experts and car insurance specialists at the RAC have also highlighted the risks involved in hotter climates.
They suggested road users can take action to limit the possible risks by making small adjustments to where they leave their vehicles.
The RAC commented: “Inspect your tyre for wear and make sure they're properly inflated, this can lead to blowouts.
“Try to park in shaded areas to avoid direct sunlight as this can make damage worse.”
