Are You Ignoring This Simple Tyre Check? It Could Cost You on the Highway This Summer

We all look forward to road trips and smooth drives during summer — the weather’s perfect, the skies are clear, and the roads invite adventure. But amidst all the excitement, one small oversight could turn your journey into a disaster: tyre care.

Yes, we know tyres don’t usually get the spotlight — until something goes wrong. And in summer, they need more attention than you think. The heat doesn’t just make the road hot; it puts extra pressure — literally — on your tyres.

What Makes Tyres More Vulnerable in Summer?

Highways in summer are notorious for tyre blowouts. You might have seen shredded rubber lying on the roadside or, worse, experienced it yourself. But what actually causes this?

One major culprit is skipping the tyre pressure check before heading out. It’s a simple task, but ignoring it can be risky. During summer, heat builds up not just from the environment but also from the road surface and friction while driving. This causes the air inside the tyres to expand, often pushing the pressure past safe levels — which can lead to a dangerous burst.

What’s the Right Tyre Pressure for Your Car?

For most cars — whether it’s a hatchback, sedan, SUV, or compact SUV — the ideal tyre pressure should be between 32 to 35 PSI, but when the tyres are cold. “Cold” means the car hasn’t been driven for at least 2–3 hours, giving the tyres a chance to return to their normal resting temperature.

Too low, and your tyres wear out faster and can affect your control on the road. Too high, especially in summer, and you’re risking a blowout. Your best bet? Always refer to your car’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressure — and follow it religiously.

Why Does Air Pressure Go Up in the Heat?

As the mercury rises, the air inside your tyres expands. The hotter the roads, the more this expansion happens — and if the tyre is already overfilled, it can become a ticking time bomb. That’s why it’s crucial to do your pressure check before you start driving, especially if you’re planning a long trip on the highway.

Easy Ways to Keep Tyre Pressure in Check

Don’t wait for a warning light or a flat tyre to take action. Maintaining the right tyre pressure is easy and doesn’t take much time. Here are a few smart ways to stay on top of it:

Keep a portable tyre pressure gauge in your car. It’s affordable and lets you do quick checks anytime.

Invest in a tyre inflator. Handy and budget-friendly, it helps you adjust pressure without needing to find a service station.

Use petrol pump air stations if you don’t have the tools yourself — most of them offer free or low-cost checks.

Notice anything off while driving? Like the car pulling to one side or sluggish steering? Get the tyres checked immediately.

Tyre care might not seem like a big deal, but in summer, it can make all the difference between a safe journey and an unexpected breakdown — or worse. So before you hit the highway, do yourself and your car a favour: take five minutes to check that tyre pressure.

After all, a smooth ride starts from the ground up — and your tyres deserve a little attention.