With temperatures expected to climb up to 41°C this week, the UK is bracing for the first ever red heat warning. Motoring experts at GoodBye Car are urging Brits to check their tyres to reduce breakdowns and avoid accidents.

According to recent data from National Highways, more than a fifth of all breakdowns on English motorways and major A-roads last year were caused by tyre issues. In fact, more than 41,500 breakdowns in 2021 were caused by tyre problems alone.

Allan Weir, Manager at GoodBye Car said “Heat can cause your vehicle’s tyre pressure to expand, with every 10°C increase your tyre pressure goes up, so it is essential to check your tyre pressure throughout the day.

“Not only this but over-inflated tyres can lose traction on roads and can cause uneven wearing, which can make your vehicle unsafe not only for you but also for other drivers.

“Maintaining the right tyre pressure can save you fuel. For example, if your tyres are over- or under-inflated, it could have an impact on your vehicle’s fuel usage as well as its safety. If your tyres are underinflated by 6 PSI of its recommended inflation, then you will use 3% more fuel.”

Another aspect motorists should pay attention to are tyre cracks. Small cracks on the tread of the tyre are a sign of normal wear and tear, however, deeper cracks could be a sign that the tyre needs replaced and may mean there’s a risk of the tread separating from the rest of the tyre.

If you spot any unusual cracks on your tyres you should visit your local garage for further inspection. Not checking your tyre health can cause tyre blowouts.”

Motoring experts at GoodBye Car have compiled a list of tips on how to check tyre health.

Four expert tips on how to check tyre health
Where to find your tyre pressure
Tyre pressures can be found in your vehicle’s handbook, are usually stamped on the sill of the driver’s door, and can sometimes be found inside your fuel cap.

Check the load of your vehicle
There will be different settings for fully loaded vehicles, so please remember to check these in your vehicle handbook, especially if carrying extra passengers or any additional weight, i.e. luggage.

Check your tyres’ PSI or Bar
Your tyres PSI (pound-force per square inch) or Bar (1 bar is equal to 14.5038 PSI) can be checked using a tyre pressure gauge. These can be bought to keep in your car at all times, or can be used at petrol stations.

Set your tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

In November 2014 it became law for every new passenger vehicle to have a TPMS before being sold. Some vehicles manufactured in 2015 have a built-in TPMS, where the owner can set the tyre pressure for their vehicle. If your tyre pressure falls below the setting, you will be notified to add more pressure.