Drivers in England urged to check label on car door before Sunday | UK | News
Drivers asked to check temperatures before they rise further (Image: Getty)
Motorists across the UK are encouraged to carry out a significant check on their vehicles before Sunday. With temperatures expected to rise to 30C this weekend, the Met Office said: “Much of England and Wales will be dry with plenty of sunshine.”
The weather agency said Sunday would be “a fairly warm, even very hot day, with temperatures dropping into the low 30s in places in the southeast.” The hot and dry weather will continue until the public holiday on Monday.
“Clear skies are improving in Northern Ireland and Scotland from Tuesday,” the Met Office said. “Temperatures remain in the low 30s across the Southeast.” While many will welcome the warm conditions, it will bring with it a number of safety concerns, especially for those behind the wheel.
A vital thing drivers should do before hitting the road in such hot weather is to check that their tires are inflated to the correct pressure in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. This is usually displayed on the driver’s door frame.
High outdoor temperatures can cause tires to expand and increase pressure, potentially leading to dangerous blowouts. According to Halfords, it is very important to routinely inspect tire pressure and adjust it as necessary, especially ahead of warm weather.
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Why is it so important to check tire pressure when warm weather arrives?
Although tire pressure generally increases with increasing temperatures, it is vital to maintain the pressure level recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer, which is usually found on the label inside the driver’s side door. Exceeding recommended pressure limits can result in a less comfortable driving experience and may even damage your tires.
To determine the correct tire pressure for your vehicle, look at the label inside the driver’s door or on the fuel filler cap. You can also refer to your user manual for this information.
On some newer vehicles, the recommended tire pressure may be displayed on the instrument panel. The label will indicate the appropriate tire pressure for your vehicle and its load.
Always check tire pressure when the tires are cold; This means the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours or the tires have had enough time to cool. Also remember to check the pressure in your spare tire, as it may gradually lose pressure over time.
If tire pressure is low, use an air compressor to inflate the tires to the recommended pressure. If the tire pressure is excessive, you can release some air by using a pressure gauge or pressing the valve stem pin with a screwdriver.
People in England are being asked to do a few checks as temperatures begin to rise (Image: Getty)
How does hot weather affect tire pressure?
- As the temperature increases, the air inside the tires expands and increases the pressure.
- Especially in hot weather, overinflated tires have a higher risk of bursting.
- Excessive pressure can cause tires to wear out faster, especially in hot conditions.
- When tires overheat, they can lose traction, increasing braking distances and making the vehicle harder to control.
Warm weather generally increases tire pressure due to the expansion of air inside the tire. Conversely, cold weather causes tire pressure to drop as the air inside contracts.
As the temperature increases, the air molecules inside the tire gain energy and move faster, causing them to expand and take up more space. This expansion then increases tire pressure. Tire pressure generally increases by approximately 0.1 bar (1.45 PSI) for every 10°C increase in temperature.
Understanding this relationship is vital to maintaining correct tire pressure, especially in hot weather, as overinflated tires can pose a hazard and affect driving performance. Protyre experts recommend checking tire pressure more frequently in hot weather, especially during heat waves.
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How can you detect an overheated tire?
The materials used in the tires and their black color make them particularly effective at absorbing heat. If they feel warm to the touch, this indicates that they are approaching the point of overheating.
It is important to stop driving and wait for the tires to cool. As tire temperature increases, pressure also increases. Releasing some air may be a logical solution for overheating tires. But be careful as it could lead to underinflation once temperatures return to normal.
