The countdown to summer holidays is on, road trips are planned, eskies are being packed, and families across Australia are gearing up for long drives to the beach, bush or outback. With the heat rising and highways getting busier, one of the most important safety checks before you head off is tyre pressure, a small detail that makes a massive difference when it comes to stopping safely and staying in control.

Tyre Pressure & Braking Distance — The Safety Connection

Tyres do a lot more than keep your car moving. They affect steering, comfort, fuel economy, and most importantly, how quickly you can stop in an emergency.

When tyre pressure isn’t right, performance drops fast.

Under-inflated tyres can:

• Increase braking distance
• Reduce steering control
• Cause overheating (especially in hot weather)
• Make tyres wear faster and unevenly

Even a drop of 5 PSI below the recommended level can add metres to your stopping distance. In stop-start holiday traffic or on busy coastal highways, those extra metres matter.

Over-inflated tyres can:

• Reduce road contact
• Increase stopping distance
• Make the ride rougher and less stable

Too much pressure means less grip, not what you want on hot roads or winding scenic routes.

Summer Heat + Incorrect Pressure = Trouble

Australian summers are tough on vehicles, and tyres cop the worst of it.

With high temperatures, long-distance driving and extra luggage or towing, your tyres are working harder than usual. Low pressure makes them flex more, generating heat, which can lead to:

• Tyre blowouts
• Loss of control
• Increased braking distance

A few minutes spent checking tyres before you leave can prevent roadside dramas and help protect your family.

Holiday Travel Checklist: Tyres First

Before you hit the highway:

• Check tyre pressure when tyres are cold
• Adjust pressure for towing or heavy loads
• Don’t forget the spare
• Check tread depth and look for cracks or swelling

It’s one of the cheapest and easiest safety habits you can build.

Stay Cool & Comfortable Too

Safe tyres get you there safely, but staying cool makes the journey enjoyable.

There’s nothing worse than driving in December heat with warm air blowing from the vents. If your air-con hasn’t been checked in a while or isn’t icy cold, now’s the time, before you’re stuck on a hot highway wishing you’d sorted it.

Red Devil Radiators – Keeping You Cool This Summer

At Red Devil Radiators, we’re all about safe, comfortable driving. As you prepare for your holiday adventures, remember:

• Proper tyre pressure keeps your braking sharp and your family safe
• Heat puts extra stress on your cooling system and tyres
• A cool cabin makes every road trip better

And when it comes to staying cool on the road, Red Devil can take care of your auto air-conditioning regas and cooling checks, so you’re road-trip ready from the first kilometre to the last.