With the arrival of summer, many drivers believe that lowering tyre pressure is a smart measure to avoid blowouts due to heat. It seems like logical reasoning: if temperature rises, pressure inside the wheel increases, so you have to compensate by lowering it. But traffic authorities are categorical: that idea is incorrect and dangerous.

Heat affects your car more than you think

Extreme temperatures are not a minor problem during summer trips. According to eldiario.es, heat impacts multiple vehicle components: it reduces engine power, damages the battery and accelerates brake fluid evaporation. But the most visible impact is suffered by tyres, especially during periods of intense heat when long-distance trips multiply, as warned by data from the General Traffic Directorate (DGT).

It is easy to understand why confusion arises. Physics is clear: the air inside the wheels expands with high temperatures, increasing internal pressure. That is why many drivers think that manually reducing that pressure will prevent blowouts. However, manufacturers have already calculated that thermal variation in their recommendations.

Maintain the pressure your manufacturer indicates, do not improvise

The response from experts and authorities is unanimous: tyres must carry the exact pressure indicated by manufacturers, regardless of the season. These calculations already take into account temperature fluctuations and air pressure changes under different weather conditions.

The DGT is particularly emphatic in its message: "Keep the correct pressure in your tyres for road safety and to prevent accelerated deterioration from heat and asphalt temperature". It is not advice, it is a safety obligation.

Where can you find the recommended pressure? It is written on the driver's door or on the fuel tank cap. The data usually appears in kilopascals (kPa) and often specifies different levels depending on vehicle weight or the number of occupants travelling in it. Simply check those values and adjust to them.

Why lowering pressure makes things worse

Reducing your tyre pressure during summer does not prevent blowouts; in reality, it accelerates their deterioration. Tyres with pressure lower than recommended suffer greater heating, increased lateral rubber wear and consume more fuel. Contact with the hot asphalt in summer is already demanding in itself; lowering pressure exponentially increases the risk.

Additionally, poorly pressurised tyres affect vehicle stability, braking and overall handling, especially on long journeys where driver fatigue adds extra dangers.

What you can do in summer

As long as you maintain the correct pressure, there are other recommended measures:

• Check the visible condition of your tyres: cracks, uneven wear or bulges are alarm signals.
• Check tread depth; the DGT recommends changing tyres when less than 3 millimetres remain.
• Avoid exposing a parked car directly to the sun for many hours if possible.
• Monitor other vehicle fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid) that also suffer from extreme heat.

In summary: the solution is not to play with your tyre pressure. The DGT and manufacturers leave no room for improvisation. Keep the recommended values, check regularly and enjoy the trip without turning your tyres into a game of chance. When was the last time you checked your tyre pressure?