We’d like to set optional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your preferences and improve government services.
       We all know that an uncomfortable sunburn or a jellyfish brush can ruin a summer vacation, but have you ever thought about the impact that under-inflated tires could have on your vacation or day trip this summer?
        Where you can’t change tires. Earlier this year, a car stopped to change a tire on the outer lane of the M1. Highways England brought in traffic officers but the vehicle left the scene shortly before they arrived.
        According to research commissioned by Highways England, only one in six drivers remember to check their tire pressure before a long journey. However, one in five motorway breakdowns are caused by worn or incorrectly inflated tyres, with almost a third of drivers admitting they don’t feel confident checking their tire pressure.
        Roads will be busy this summer as people head to the UK and abroad for day trips and holidays (subject to travel restrictions). Additionally, in many cases, reduced vehicle use after months of isolation and/or working from home means that essential pre-travel checks are more important than ever.
       Siobhan Wares, Highways England’s traffic officer responsible for patrolling the M25 and other main routes, said:
        If your tires are not properly inflated or in poor condition, they are more likely to cause a breakdown or accident. Checking your tire pressure just a few minutes before heading out on a day trip or vacation this summer will save you time and money in the long run. Inspecting your vehicle before leaving will help you and your family get to your destination safely.
        Highways England’s advice is simple: check your tire pressure and condition (including spares) before you go on a long journey. Keep an eye out for cuts and scuffs and make sure your tires have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, which is the legal limit. To check your tire pressure, visit most gas stations and gas stations that have pumps to check your tire pressure and inflate them.
       If you are stopped by the police and caught using illegal tyres, you could face a fine of £2,500 and 3 penalty points per tyre.
        Driving on under- or over-inflated tires will lengthen braking distances and make steering more difficult. Properly inflated tires are also safer and more environmentally friendly, using less fuel, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, reducing pollution and reducing waste because the tires don’t wear out as quickly.
       The NTDA welcomes this excellent summer inspection campaign and commends Highways England for its innovative and clever way of getting such important information to motorists.
        Tires are the only thing keeping vehicles on the road, and many vehicles have been idled for long periods of time during the Covid-19 lockdown and further restrictions. Now more than ever, motorists need to check their tires regularly and if there are any questions regarding their roadworthiness, contact a professional tire fitter.
       As we head into one of the busiest summer months on our roads, it’s vital that drivers have their vehicles checked before they hit the road as it could prevent a very unwanted breakdown.
        Tires should have good tread and be inflated to the correct pressure, and oil and coolant levels should be topped up if they are low. Our message to drivers heading home on holiday: a few simple pre-trip checks can greatly reduce the chance of you getting stuck on a busy road when you least expect it.
        It’s easy to forget to check that your car is ready for a long trip, especially if you haven’t been using it much lately. Before you hit the road, it’s important to spend some time checking your fuel, oil, coolant and windshield washer fluid levels, and most importantly, your tires.
        A tire blowout can be inconvenient at best and very dangerous at worst. If a tire blows out while driving, your car will be difficult to control and you may get into an accident.
       If you have a problem with your car and are unable to exit the motorway, always try to drive to the left – towards an emergency area, shoulder, motorway maintenance facility or the shoulder of a bypass road.
       But if this is not possible and you are stopped in a normal lane or feel your life is in danger, you should remain in the car, fasten your seat belt, turn on your hazard lights and call 999 immediately.
       Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.
       Please do not include personal or financial information such as your National Insurance number or credit card details.
        To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to hear more about your visit today. We will send you a link to the feedback form. It will only take 2 minutes. Don’t worry, we won’t spam you and won’t share your email address with anyone.