Matt Peacock, MD of Star Tech Ltd in Poole, advises on the importance of tyre maintenance.

On a recent family holiday drive back from Cornwall, I couldn’t believe the number of blown out tyres strewn along the A30. There were so many, I lost count. It’s no surprise though, considering the sweltering heat and dry conditions we have experienced this summer. The heatwave has certainly brought some challenges to motorists.

Tyre maintenance and condition is something that most drivers pay more attention to in the winter months due to icy or wet driving conditions. However, don’t under-estimate the importance of year-round tyre checks. Tyres are the only thing between you and the road, safety is paramount.

Extreme heat can cause the air pressure inside your tyres to increase. Motorists suffered the highest number of tyre blowouts during the week the UK was hit with its highest ever recorded temperatures. Tyres are constructed of rubber and despite having a high resistance to increasing heat, rubber still has a breaking point. They can only tolerate a certain amount of air pressure increase inside before they overinflate and burst. This is much more likely to occur if there are bulges or cuts to the tyre walls.

Worryingly, some motorists are not carrying out regular tyre checks and the soaring temperatures have really highlighted the danger of ignoring tyre maintenance. Regular servicing and heeding advisories on MOTs is vital to your safety on the roads. Ensure your tyre tread depth is legal and adequate.

Tyre Tread Depth

The UK legal requirement is at least 1.6 mm across the central three quarters of the tyre. The tread must meet this requirement across the complete circumference of the tyre. However, alongside tyre and safety experts, we advise a minimum of 3mm. Tests by UK technical organisation MIRA found that, once tyres are below 3mm, stopping distances increase dramatically.

The header image shows a tyre separating at the bead where it mounts onto the wheel. This was about to blow out any day and was found whilst we serviced a customer’s car recently.

Here’s what you can do to keep an eye at home…

• Regular checks on the air pressure

• Looking out for visible wear and tear on both inner and outer tyre walls

• Remove stones from tread and check for cuts

• Measure the tread depths with a 20p piece to give you an idea of wear but if in doubt, get a professional to check

If you are in any doubt about your car’s tyre condition, call our team on 01202 694758. Stay safe on the roads.

Star Tech is an Independent Service Centre in Poole specialising in Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Jaguar, Smart & Mini.