How The Weather Can Affect Your Tyres

How The Weather Can Affect Your Tyres - In the UK, the weather’s always keeping us on our toes. From sunny one minute to rain or snow the next. Or at least that is how it feels at times.

These shifts can take a toll on your tyres. Making it essential to stay on top of tyre care. Ensuring a safe and smooth ride throughout the four seasons.

Cold Weather Causes Stiff Tyres

When temperatures drop, tyres tend to stiffen up. Which affects how well they are able to grip the road. This can make your car harder to control, with longer stopping distances—especially tricky if you need to brake suddenly.

If you frequently drive in icy or snowy conditions, switching to winter tyres can make a real difference. These tyres contain silica, which keeps them flexible even when it’s freezing.

Plus, they have extra grooves (called sipes) to help them grab onto snow and ice. This gives them better traction when it’s slippery.

Rain Risks Aquaplaning

The UK is no stranger to long spells of rain. This can lead to pools of water on our roads.

If your tyres aren’t in top shape, this can increase the risk of aquaplaning, where your tyres lose contact with the road, making steering and braking tricky.

To drive safely in wet conditions, keep more space between you and the car ahead, as stopping distances can double in rain.

Also, check your tyre tread depth and pressure on a regular basis. These small steps can make a big difference in wet weather.

Hot Weather and Tyre Pressure

As the temperatures rises, so can the air pressure in your tyres. Just sitting in the sun can cause tyre pressure to increase - which leads to problems like cracking or blowouts on the road.

A good rule of thumb: for every 10-degree Celsius increase in temperature, tyre pressure can go up by around 0.1 bar.

During heatwaves, check your tyre pressure weekly, and if you’re heading out on a long trip, take a moment to look for any cracks or tears in the rubber.

Take the time to inspect your tyres for any signs of wear, tears, or cracks in the rubber.

Simple Year-Round Tyre Maintenance

Caring for your tyres doesn’t need to be complicated, but staying consistent is key. While many cars now have tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), a quick manual check is always a smart idea.

• Check Pressure When Tyres are Cold: To get the most accurate reading, check your tyre pressure when the tyres are cold, like in the morning. Driving heats them up, which can give you a higher reading.
• Find the Right Pressure in Your Handbook: You’ll usually find the recommended tyre pressure in your vehicle’s handbook. Or, on a sticker inside the driver’s door. Make sure to check the recommended pressure, especially if you’re loading up the car.

When to Check Tyre Pressure

Manufacturers recommend checking tyre pressure when the tyres are cold, either in the morning or the night before a journey. Make sure that the vehicle hasn't been driven for an extended period before testing.

This is because tyres warm up during driving through friction with the road – which affects the pressure.

If you adjust the pressure when the tyres are warm might lead to pressures dropping below the minimum once they cool. Increasing the likelihood of punctures or accidents.

Consulting your car’s handbook or locating a sticker with tyre pressure information within your vehicle provides a reliable guide.

This information, often found inside the rim of your vehicle door, helps you determine the right pressure based on your vehicle's use. There is often a laden and unladen measurement to take into account.

Extreme Weather Driving

Garage Parking: If you have a garage or covered parking, use it. It’ll help protect your tyres from the elements. Such as a prolonged spell of ice or intense sunlight.

Plan Pit Stops: If you can’t avoid driving in severe weather, plan for occasional stops. This gives your tyres a rest and helps them adjust to the changing conditions.

Sticking to these steps can help to keep your tyres in good condition. Whatever the weather throws at you. A bit of regular attention can add up to a safer, smoother, and more economical ride.