Michelin launches summer safe tyre guide to tackle warm weather wear and tear
With temperatures soaring once again, Michelin has created a summer safe tyre guide, warning how warmer weather, extended holiday travel and luggage-laden cars can all impact tyre health.
An estimated 27 million* journeys will take place at the start of the Great British summer getaway, and millions of drivers could be at risk with one in five breakdowns on motorways caused by tyre defects**. Tyre related issues are the second most common callout request for breakdown services**.
The summer safe tyre guide created by Michelin recommends motorists regularly check pressures, inspect for wear and tear damage and measure tread depth. Like wearing enough suncream and staying hydrated, tyre inspections should be part of every driver’s summer checklist.
As the temperature starts to rise again, it’s crucially important to undertake regular tyre checks to ensure you and your family stay safe during summer travels. With long trips often planned in cars packed with luggage and people, making sure your tyres are in good condition will help keep stress levels, and motoring bills, stay low, even as temperatures start to rise.
Inflation pressure
Every 10°C increase in tyre temperature can increase tyre pressures by 1 or 2psi. If the last time the tyres were checked was on a freezing day in winter, then on 30°C summer’s day that could lead to an extra 6psi of pressure.
Checking pressures is especially important during the summer months, when many drivers are planning long drives in fully laden cars. The combination of increased temperatures, a boot full of luggage and lengthy, high speed motorway journeys means it’s vital the correct amount of air is in the tyres.
Any increase (or decrease) in pressure can change how the tyre contacts the road, and if the tyre becomes overinflated, this could result in increased wear in the centre of the tread. Regular checks will mitigate this risk and maximise tyre life.
The pressure should always be checked and adjusted when the tyre is cold – or before driving – and in accordance with the vehicle’s specified figures for speed and load.
Wear and damage
Tyres should be checked for signs of wear or damage throughout the year. During hotter conditions, road surfaces can degrade, so it’s particularly important to inspect the sidewalls for any bulging, as well as signs of uneven wear or debris, such as nails or screws in the tread.
If the vehicle is going to be parked up for longer periods, then try and find a spot that keeps the tyres out of direct sunlight to protect against potential UV damage.
Tread depth
As part of any tyre health check, drivers should also measure tread depths. Rain showers are likely even during the summer months, and they’re often heavy which results in plenty of standing water. The minimum legal limit for tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. It is imperative to change tyres once this limit has been reached to avoid compromising safety and breaking the rules of the road.
The full Michelin range of summer tyres is available nationwide through Michelin’s authorised retailer network and approved resellers. For more information, visit: https://www.michelin.co.uk/auto/browse-tyres/by-season/summer