AN expert has shared a warning about a 20p check every driver should do to avoid a “serious threat” this summer.
Aaron Edwards, who works at Halfords, said that the changeable weather this summer can cause tyre pressure to change by 1-2 PSI.
This change can affect vehicle handling, fuel consumption, excessive wear and braking distances. All of these factors can lead to accidents.
Halfords are urging motorists to check their tyres, which costs just 20p at the garage.
Aaron said “A rainy and unpredictable summer is something none of us had hoped for.
“Not only does it ruin many of the summer plans we’ve been looking forward to but it can also pose a serious threat to drivers, particularly those who don’t know how to check the condition of their tyres.
“We want to make sure that all drivers have the knowledge and tools that they need to stay safe on the roads, whatever the weather.
“Being clued up on tyre health and knowing how to respond to changing weather conditions can help keep the roads safe for everyone this summer.”
Motorists must check car tyres after a sudden temperature change – the reason for this is that just a 10-degree rise or fall in temperature can lead to tyre pressure changing by at least 1-2 PSI, compromising aspects of the vehicle’s handling as a result.
Ensure tyres are cold before checking – tyre pressure should always be checked on cold tyres, so run checks first thing in the morning or once tyres have cooled.
The recommended tyre pressure will change based on the vehicle and specific tyre and drivers can find this in their car’s owner’s manual, inside the fuel cap, or on the sill of the passenger’s side door.
Look regularly for wear and tear – changeable weather can lead to tyres suffering more wear and tear than usual.
Checking tyre condition takes less than two minutes and could be the difference between a serious accident and safe arrival at your destination.
Make sure that tread depth meets the legal requirements with a 10-second trick – insert a 20p coin into the tread grooves on the tyre and if the coin’s band is visible then the car requires a professional inspection.
More information on how to check tread depth at Halfords.co.uk
Be ready to adapt driving style – When the weather conditions are unpredictable, motorists might have to change their driving style mid-journey.
If it does start to rain, drivers should watch their speed and leave plenty of distance between themselves and the car in front.
Crucially, drivers should ensure that their car’s air-con is functioning properly when it’s raining, as this is key to preventing internal condensation.
Be extra careful when it rains on a hot day – many drivers are unaware that during periods of prolonged hot weather, oils in the road’s material can bleed through to the surface, reducing wet skidding resistance in the first few minutes of rainfall.
The added risk of slippery roads during this summer of unpredictability means drivers must take extra precautions, including doubling following distances between vehicles.
In instances where it suddenly gets wet, under-inflated tyres also increase the risk of hydroplaning, so it’s always a good idea to check tyre pressure ahead of journeys.
Check wipers before setting out – Ineffective windscreen wipers that squeak, streak, or smear and aren’t clearing debris properly can lead to an expensive windscreen replacement or even a fine of up to £2,500.
Plus, with unpredictable summer rain ahead, drivers don’t want to be caught short on the road with wipers that aren’t up to the task when the heavens open.
Dan Jones, operations manager at DrivingExperience.co.uk, said: “Many people wouldn’t even consider checking that their car is fitted with the correct tyres for the season, but it is so important.
“Using the wrong type of tyres in summer will not only hit your pocket hard, but it could increase your braking distance by as much as seven and a half metres which is quite worrying.
“I urge every driver to check their car is using suitable rubber this summer.”
Jones explained that most tyres featured symbols which indicated if they were winter or summer.
He said: “With nearly 5,000 collisions on the UK’s roads over the past decade as a result of illegal, defective, or under inflated tyres, it’s a serious offence for which you could receive three points on your
licence and a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre, which could increase to a fine of £10,000 and 12 penalty points for a vehicle with four illegal tyres.”
Data released by NimbleFins says the average motorist spends around £1,095 a year on petrol.
Those who are driving more often could be losing hundreds of pounds having to fork out more.
Experts at CarShop told Express: “Making sure your tyres have the correct pressure is important for your safety whilst on the road, but this isn’t the only benefit as underinflated or overinflated tyres waste fuel.
“Research shows that if tyres are under-inflated can decrease a car’s fuel efficiency by up to 10 percent, making the average tank of fuel do 36 miles per gallon.
“This decrease in fuel efficiency could see significant increases in the amount of fuel a person has to purchase, increasing their fuel spend every year.”
