Overheating can cause tyre pressures to increase and even explode, expert explains
Motorists have been suffering with tyre blowouts recently after the UK was hit with its highest ever recorded temperatures.
Driver were urged to remain vigilant as tyres are at a much bigger risk of getting damaged in the extreme heat which can cause the air pressure inside to increase.
Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing said: “When your vehicle’s tyres are exposed to hot temperatures they are susceptible to wear and tear, over-inflation and even popping.
“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.”
Rebecca Ashton, head of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, said: “Worryingly, our research has revealed that motorists are not conducting tyre checks as often as they should be, and the soaring temperatures could bring the issues associated with this to the fore.
“We would urge motorists to ensure they make these routine tyre and vehicle checks more often in such extreme conditions.”
