Drivers are entering the worst time of the year for tyre failures when heavily loaded cars taking families on holiday combined with hot weather puts the rubber under unusual stress.

Data from the Department for Transport shows that on average July has the most tyre-related incidents, closely followed by August so drivers need to check tyre pressures at least once a month and definitely before any long journey when the car is laden with luggage and passengers.

It takes just minutes to check your tyres. Take a look at the overall condition of each one to see if there is anything obvious such as a small, shiny piece of metal in the tread which could mean a nail or other sharp object has gone through with an obvious risk of tyre failure. If you see anything like this or any cracks or bulges in the sidewalls you should immediately either change the wheel or get professional help.

The air pressure of each tyre should also be checked using an accurate gauge. Car makers always recommend two pressures, one for light loads and another for when the vehicle is fully loaded and it’s vital you adjust the pressures for the appropriate one. These settings can be found in the vehicle handbook, on reputable internet tyre pressure charts such as the one at tyresafe.org, and often in the vehicle’s fuel filler cap or door sill.