Simple car hack which could save drivers £590 as weather hots up again

Daily Mirror

2 days ago

Following these simple steps could save Brit drivers hundreds of pounds, especially with temperatures predicted to reach 39C in parts of the UK in August
With the UK bracing for another impending heatwave, experts have issued a timely warning to motorists about the hidden dangers soaring temperatures pose to their vehicles — especially the tyres.
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A simple car maintenance hack could potentially save drivers nearly £600 this summer by helping to avoid tyre blowouts, an often-overlooked risk intensified by hotter weather.
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As the mercury rises, so do tyre pressures. When tyres are exposed to prolonged heat — such as the incoming scorcher of a heatwave forecast for August, when temperature are predicted to reach 39°C in parts of the UK — the air inside them expands, sometimes exceeding safe limits. It comes after UK drivers were warned over 'avoiding' road instead of having to follow new rule.
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As reported by the Express, this can spell trouble, particularly when tyres are already inflated towards their upper limit. While the catastrophic event of all four tyres bursting at once is rare, it is not impossible, and replacing them at average UK prices could leave drivers with a whopping £590 bill, never mind potential costs if a blowout were to lead to a collision.
Fortunately, auto specialists from 1dot have outlined practical steps drivers can take to mitigate this risk and keep costs at bay. The first crucial piece of advice is to always check tyre pressures first thing in the morning when the tyres are cold.
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This ensures that the pressure measurement reflects the actual level, unaffected by heat-induced expansion. If a morning check isn't feasible, experts suggest parking the car in the shade and waiting several hours before checking tyre pressure, allowing them to cool fully.
Another common pitfall is over-inflation. Some drivers believe pumping tyres above the manufacturer's recommendation can help maintain pressure for longer, but this actually increases the risk of a blowout during higher temperatures.
It is recommended that you should always stick strictly to the manufacturer's suggested pressure settings for optimal performance and safety.
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Parking in the shade becomes doubly important during a heatwave — not only does this keep the vehicle's interior cool, it also limits the amount of heat the tyres absorb, reducing pressure build-up and the likelihood of damage.
Investing in a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is also strongly recommended. Even if your car already warns you when tyre pressures are outside safe thresholds, manual checks during exceptionally hot periods remain invaluable.
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Extreme weather can amplify the lag between TPMS alerts and real-time changes in tyre pressure, so a manual check acts as an extra safeguard against sudden, costly failures.
With forecasts predicting extended periods of high pressure and persistent heat, taking these straightforward steps could mean avoiding the steep cost of new tyres this summer.
As temperatures climb and the UK braces for potentially record-breaking heat, proactively checking tyre pressures (especially when cold), avoiding over-inflation, parking in the shade, and investing in a TPMS could collectively save drivers up to £590 and provide peace of mind on the road.