According to the AA Tyre Punctures are the most common cause of summer breakdown's. The high temperatures we are currently experiencing are aggravating damage which may already be present in your car's tyres. It is vitaly imperative that you monitor your tyre pressures regularly; preferably checking them weekly to ensure that they comply with the manufacturers stated guidelines. These guidelines can be found either in your vehicle handbook or on the inside of the driver’s door.
If you find that your tyre pressures are dropping quickly in one of your tyres, it could be an indication that you have a slow puncture. Inadequate tyre pressure also results in poor tyre wear, resulting in additional costs by having to replace them more frequently. Also low pressures reduce the tyre’s performance and can increase fuel consumption. Over–inflated tyres can cause poor vehicle handling, reduced stability when braking, reduced grip and uneven wear. You should also check your tyre pressures when the tyres are cold, not after a long journey.
It is also not unheard of for a bit of rain to fall during the summer in the UK. The minimum legal tyre depth is 1.6mm. Your tyre tread is there to disperse water on the road surface, so the larger the tread the more water that can be dispersed, resulting in better car handling and a reduction of loss of control. Poor tyre tread is also a common MOT failure item.
If you are unsure how to check your tyre pressures take your car to your local independent garage who are often happy to take you through the checks. They can also check your wheel balance and tracking. With so many potholes on the roads its easy for these things to occur especially if your tyres are under inflated, which in turn will also put additional strain on other parts of the vehicle, resulting in expensive but often avoidable repairs.
