Abu Dhabi Police urge drivers to check tyres as summer heat raises blowout risk
By Thasmiya
Abu Dhabi Police have urged motorists to inspect their vehicle tyres regularly as rising summer temperatures increase the risk of sudden blowouts and serious road accidents.
The warning forms part of the authority’s **Safe Summer campaign**, which highlights the dangers of using worn, damaged, poor-quality or non-compliant tyres during the UAE’s hottest months.
## **Why are tyre blowouts more dangerous in summer?**
High temperatures place additional stress on tyres, particularly when they are old, damaged, incorrectly inflated or carrying excessive weight.
A tyre that suddenly bursts while a vehicle is moving can cause the driver to lose control, especially at higher speeds. Abu Dhabi Police described poor-quality and unsafe tyres as a leading cause of serious summer traffic accidents.
## **What should drivers check?**
Motorists have been advised to inspect their tyres regularly and confirm that they meet approved safety specifications.
Key checks include:
- Correct tyre pressure based on the manufacturer’s recommendation - Cuts, cracks, bulges or visible damage - Excessive tread wear - Tyre production date and expected service life - Signs that a tyre needs immediate replacement - Vehicle load staying within the permitted weight limit
Drivers should replace worn or damaged tyres without delay and avoid buying substandard products that may not cope safely with UAE road conditions.
## **Avoid overloading the vehicle**
Abu Dhabi Police also warned motorists against carrying loads beyond a vehicle’s permitted limit.
Excessive weight places additional pressure on tyres and can affect braking, stability and handling. The risk may become more serious during long journeys and periods of intense summer heat.
## **Check tyres before long journeys**
Drivers planning inter-emirate trips or long-distance journeys should inspect their tyres before leaving.
It is also advisable to check the spare tyre, coolant, brakes and other essential vehicle systems as part of routine summer maintenance.
Tyre pressure should generally be checked when the tyres are cold, following the specifications listed in the vehicle handbook or on the manufacturer’s information label.
## **What should you do during a tyre blowout?**
A sudden tyre failure can be frightening, but drivers should avoid making sharp movements.
Motorists should:
- Hold the steering wheel firmly - Avoid sudden braking - Ease off the accelerator gradually - Keep the vehicle as straight as possible - Move carefully towards a safe area once speed has reduced - Switch on hazard lights and request roadside assistance
Stopping abruptly or turning sharply may make the vehicle more difficult to control.
## **Why this matters**
Tyre maintenance is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of a serious summer accident.
A short inspection can identify worn tread, incorrect pressure or structural damage before it leads to a dangerous failure on the road. Abu Dhabi Police stressed that tyre safety is a shared responsibility that begins with every driver.
## **FAQs**
### **Why do tyre blowouts increase during summer?**
Extreme road and air temperatures can place additional stress on tyres, especially when they are old, damaged, overloaded or incorrectly inflated.
### **How often should drivers inspect their tyres?**
Drivers should check them regularly and before long journeys, paying particular attention to pressure, wear, damage and age.
### **Should old tyres be replaced even when they look fine?**
Drivers should consider both tyre condition and production date. Tyres may deteriorate over time even when visible tread remains.
### **Is tyre pressure affected by hot weather?**
Yes. Temperature changes can affect tyre pressure, making regular checks important during summer.
### **What should a driver do after noticing a damaged tyre?**
The tyre should be inspected professionally and replaced immediately when it is worn, cracked, bulging or otherwise unsafe.
## **Source Credits**
Information source/resource owners: Abu Dhabi Police, Monitoring and Control Centre, Gulf News and Gulf Today.
## **Image Credits**
Image sources are combined from AI-generated visuals and other platforms. If any owner wants to be mentioned or any content needs to be changed, please email us at **concerns@whatmatter.ae**.
## **Image Options**
- Abu Dhabi Police patrol vehicle beside a car with a damaged tyre **Image credit/resource owner:** Abu Dhabi Police - Motorist checking tyre pressure at a UAE petrol station **Image credit/resource owner:** Licensed stock platform or official road-safety campaign - Close-up of worn tyre tread under strong UAE summer sunlight **Image credit/resource owner:** Licensed automotive image platform - **AI cover idea:** A realistic Abu Dhabi highway scene during intense summer daylight, showing a driver safely inspecting a car tyre beside a service area, with an Abu Dhabi Police patrol vehicle in the background, modern UAE road aesthetics, no logos and no detailed text.