More than 104 million trips are expected on Spanish roads this summer, information from elespanol motor, as the country braces for another record-breaking travel season. High temperatures put car tyres under added strain. Hot asphalt and long journeys increase the demands on the tyre’s casing and tread; high speeds add to that strain, especially when a vehicle is heavily loaded. The added pressure raises the risk of blowouts and roadside emergencies. Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) highlights tyre checks in its summer vehicle guidance, “Summer: 8 points to check in our car.”
Heat accelerates tyre wear, making blowouts and punctures more likely. Underinflated tyres are especially risky: greater sidewall flex increases rolling resistance and heat build-up. It also raises fuel consumption and can shorten tyre lifespan by up to 15%. Check pressure when the tyres are cold and follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended figures. They are usually listed on the driver’s door frame, and may also appear on the fuel-filler flap or in the manual. The correct pressure can differ between axles when the car is carrying a full load. A tyre-pressure monitoring system can warn of pressure loss, but it does not replace regular manual checks or reveal every physical defect. Treat a warning as a prompt to stop safely and inspect the tyres. Spain does not require seasonal tyre changes nationwide, although authorities may require chains or equivalent equipment on particular roads during winter conditions. The DGT says summer tyres lose some of their qualities below about 7°C. All-season tyres can be a practical middle ground. The right choice depends on the local climate and driving habits, as well as the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements.
Mateo, a mechanic known on social media as @talleresmateo2.0, offers advice for those replacing tyres. “Always change tyres in pairs, fitting both new ones on the same axle,” he explains. Mixing brands or models can cause unpredictable handling, particularly when braking or cornering, and may also lead to problems during the ITV inspection. Ideally, all four tyres should match in brand and model to help maintain consistent grip and compliance.
Knowing when to replace tyres matters as much as knowing how. Clicars estimates that most tyres last between 40,000 and 60,000 kilometres, depending in part on whether a car is front- or rear-wheel lead. Front tyres wear faster on front-wheel-lead vehicles, and the reverse is true for rear-wheel-lead cars. Warning signs include visible cracks or bulges. Cuts and embedded objects also call for attention, as do uneven wear and an old manufacturing date. Uneven wear can point to an alignment problem. Suspension faults or poor balancing may also be to blame. To check tread depth, insert a one-euro coin into the basic tread groove. If the gold edge is fully visible, the tread is below 3 mm and it is time to book a service. Drivers should also check the TWI (Tread Wear Indicator) markers, small ridges in the tread grooves. If the tread is level with these markers, it has reached the legal minimum of 1.6 mm and the tyre must be replaced. That minimum does not guarantee the tyre’s original braking or water-clearing performance, so replacement may be advisable sooner, especially if there is visible damage.
With so many vehicles on the move, even experienced drivers can overlook tyre safety. The summer travel surge puts extra pressure on vehicles and infrastructure, making regular checks more impressive. This in-depth look at Spain’s trucking profession explores the daily challenges faced by independent truck drivers on Spanish roads.
Although Spanish law does not require seasonal tyre changes, summer heat still poses risks. Regular inspections before a long journey should cover tyre pressure and tread depth. Drivers should also check the overall condition of the rubber. Timely replacements and tyres suited to local conditions and driving habits are impressive for safer journeys.
