After a season of road trips, hot weather, and busy motorways, your tyres have likely worked harder than usual. Summer conditions can cause subtle wear and tear that’s easy to overlook — but giving your tyres a quick check now can help you stay safe as autumn arrives.

Check the Tread Depth
Tyre tread helps your car grip the road, especially in wet weather. Over summer, long journeys and hot road surfaces can wear the tread down more than usual.
Use a 20p coin: insert it into the tread — if you can see the outer band, it’s time to replace the tyre. The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but more tread means better grip.

Look for Uneven Wear
Have a look across the full width of each tyre. If one side looks more worn than the other, it could be a sign of poor wheel alignment or incorrect tyre pressure. It’s worth getting it checked before it affects your handling.

Check for Cracks or Bulges
Heat can cause the rubber to expand and contract, which may lead to cracks or bulging on the sidewalls. If you notice anything unusual, don’t ignore it — damaged tyres can be dangerous, even if they still hold air.

Re-check Tyre Pressure
Temperature changes over the summer months can affect your tyre pressure. Check all four tyres (and your spare, if you have one) with a reliable pressure gauge or at your local petrol station. Your car manual or a label inside the driver’s door will tell you the correct pressure.

Remove Any Debris
Stones, gravel or bits of glass can get stuck in the grooves after summer driving. While small bits often fall out on their own, larger debris can cause punctures over time — especially in colder, wetter months.

Why It Matters
Worn or underinflated tyres can affect your stopping distance, handling, and fuel efficiency. A few quick checks now can help keep your car safe and ready for autumn weather — and reduce the risk of a breakdown.

And remember, if you ever do need help on the road, Autonational is just a call away.