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Tyres NorthamptonAs the UK sees warmer and longer summers, many drivers start asking questions about how heat affects their tyres. One of the most common (and slightly dramatic) concerns is: “Can my tyres melt in the heat?” The short answer is no — but there’s more to it than that.
In this guide, we’ll bust some of the most common summer tyre myths, separating fact from fiction so you can drive safely and confidently in the sun.
Let’s start with the big one. While roads can feel scorching on a sunny day, modern tyres are made from durable rubber compounds designed to withstand extreme temperatures — far higher than anything we experience in the UK. Even during a heatwave, the road surface won’t get hot enough to melt a properly manufactured tyre.
The truth: Tyres won’t melt, but heat can cause damage over time. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures may lead to faster tread wear, reduced grip, or cracks in older tyres — all of which can be avoided with regular checks.
Some drivers assume that since there’s no frost or ice to worry about, tyre checks can wait until autumn. In fact, summer heat causes air to expand, meaning your tyre pressure can rise significantly on warm days, sometimes enough to cause uneven wear or even reduce braking performance.
The truth: Tyre pressure should be checked regularly in summer, ideally every two weeks and always before a long trip. Do it when the tyres are cold, and use your manufacturer’s recommended pressure settings.
All-season tyres are a popular choice in the UK, and for many drivers, they perform well year-round. But they’re a compromise by design, not optimised for the extreme cold or the hottest summer days.
The truth: If you’re driving long distances or regularly on motorways during the summer, a dedicated summer tyre may offer better grip, cornering, and fuel efficiency. It's worth considering if performance matters to you.
It’s easy to think that tread depth only matters when dealing with rain or snow. But low tread in the summer can still cause problems, particularly with braking and cornering, where grip is essential on hot tarmac.
The truth: Always maintain at least 3mm of tread depth for optimal safety, even in dry conditions. The legal limit in the UK is 1.6mm, but safety starts to drop off well before that.
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Just because your tyres look okay from the outside doesn’t mean they’re in perfect shape. Summer heat can expose internal weaknesses or cause damage that isn’t always visible.
The truth: Have your tyres professionally inspected if they’re over five years old, or if you notice vibrations, bulges, or cracks.
Some drivers skip tyre rotation during the summer months, assuming it’s only necessary during the harsher conditions of winter. But summer driving, especially with heavier holiday loads or long-distance trips can create uneven wear if tyres aren’t rotated regularly.
The truth: Tyre rotation should be done every 5,000–8,000 miles regardless of the season. It helps promote even tread wear and extends the overall lifespan of your tyres.
Many assume that summer driving means dry roads, but sudden rainstorms or post-heat downpours can make roads extremely slick, especially after a dry spell, when oil and dirt have built up on the surface.
The truth: Summer rain can create dangerous conditions, particularly with worn tyres. Make sure your tread depth is sufficient and consider tyres with good wet-weather ratings to maintain control in unpredictable British weather.