Temperatures across much of the UK are set to soar again this week, with drivers advised to check their tyres before hitting the road.
Tyre manufacturer Dunlop says multiple heatwaves across the UK during 2026 have caused damage to roads, and can increase the risk of tyre failures.
Recent heatwaves have led to road surface temperatures soaring beyond already high ambient air temperatures, reaching between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius.
Such heat can cause the bitumen used in roads to soften, or even melt in the most extreme cases.
Given that most modern summer tyres are developed to work best at around 7 degrees Celsius, another heatwave has the potential to put motorists at risk.
Feeling the heat and pressure
Adding to the effect of heatwave temperatures on tyres is that, during the summer months, UK motorists are likely to pack their cars with holiday luggage and roof boxes.
Hot weather, combined with a fully laden car making a long journey to a UK holiday destination, can put extra strain on tyres.
Dunlop suggests that drivers should check their tyre pressures match with the manufacturer’s recommendations before setting off on a long journey, and adjust them to account for any extra weight carried.
Drivers should also make visual inspections to look for cuts, bulges or cracks in the tyre sidewalls, along with ensuring the tread depth is comfortably above the legal minimum of 1.6mm.
Any signs of problems, including uneven tyre wear, should be given professional attention before embarking on a long journey.
Summer holiday tyre safety
Sven Boetzel, technical and service engineer at Dunlop Tyre Europe, said: “Tyres are the only point of contact between a vehicle and the road, so checking their condition can be critical to safety, especially during the summer holidays.
“After recent heatwaves in the UK and across Europe, and possibly with more to come, drivers need to take extra care and make sure their tyres are properly maintained before travelling.
“Checking tyre pressures, inspecting tyres for damage, and ensuring your vehicle is carrying the correct load can all help improve safety and provide peace of mind before setting off on holiday. With long journeys and heavily loaded vehicles, driving can be stressful enough at this time of year. These checks just take a few minutes and could prevent a much larger headache further down the line.”
“If drivers spot any signs of damage, unusual wear or pressure loss, they should seek advice from a tyre specialist before continuing their journey.”
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