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uk Transport & mobility emergencies tyre overheating warning • tire overheating warning • hot tyre light • hot tire light • tpms warning and hot tyre • dashboard tyre temperature alert • burning rubber smell in car • wheel area feels hot • pulled over safely tyre issue • stopped in a safe place tyre • motorway breakdown safe place • emergency refuge area stopped • tyre blowout risk • tyre pressure when cold • underinflated tyre heat • dragging brake overheating wheel • smoke near wheel arch • vibration after tyre warning • overheated tyre after long drive • overheated tyre after motorway • warning says tyre too hot

What to do if…
a dashboard warning says a tyre may be overheating and you are stopped in a safe place

Short answer

Stay stopped, keep everyone well away from the wheel area, and let the tyre(s) cool fully before you touch anything, check pressures, or drive again.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t continue driving “to see if it clears”.
  • Don’t make pressure decisions while the tyre is hot (including letting air out).
  • Don’t touch the tyre, wheel, or brake area with bare hands.
  • Don’t pour water on a hot tyre or wheel.
  • Don’t attempt wheel removal/jacking unless you are fully off the road in a genuinely safe place and you’re confident—otherwise get breakdown recovery.
  • Don’t ignore smoke, a strong burning smell, or crackling/popping noises.

What to do now

  1. Make the stop safer (even if you’re already “safe”).
    Hazard lights on. Put the car in Park (or in gear for a manual). Use the parking brake only as needed to prevent rolling. Keep passengers out of the traffic side.

  2. Create distance from the risky area.
    Everyone should stand well away from the wheel(s). If you’re near fast traffic, wait behind a barrier if there is one. Assume the tyre could fail.

  3. Do a quick “danger check” without getting close.
    Look for smoke from a wheel arch, signs of fire, or a tyre that looks visibly distorted/flat.

    • If you suspect fire (smoke/flames): move well away from the vehicle and call 999.

  4. Let it cool before any inspection or pressure check.
    Don’t drive and don’t handle the wheel area. For a meaningful “cold” pressure reading, it’s typically at least a couple of hours after driving (longer after high-speed driving), or follow your vehicle handbook guidance.

  5. Once cool, check only what you can check safely.

    • Visually inspect the tyre sidewalls and tread for bulges, splits, exposed cords, or rubbed/melted areas (for example, from contact with the bodywork).
    • If you have a gauge, compare cold pressures to the vehicle’s recommended pressures (door/handbook), not the number on the tyre sidewall.

  6. Choose the safest next move.

    • Any bulge/split/cords showing, repeated warning, or you’re unsure: do not drive—call your breakdown provider.
    • If a tyre is low once cold and looks undamaged: inflate to the vehicle’s recommended pressure. If it won’t hold pressure or the warning returns soon after, stop and get breakdown recovery.

  7. If you’re on a motorway or in an emergency area/refuge:
    Use the emergency roadside telephone where provided and follow the operator’s advice before rejoining traffic. If you feel unsafe (for example, you can’t get to a place of relative safety), call 999.

What can wait

  • You don’t need to diagnose the exact cause right now (common causes include low pressure, damage, heavy load, sustained speed/heat, or a brake issue).
  • You don’t need to decide about repairs, tyre brands, or insurance at the roadside.
  • You don’t need to “fine-tune” pressures beyond restoring a clearly low tyre to the recommended setting once cold and only if it looks undamaged.

Important reassurance

A “tyre overheating” alert is designed to make you stop before something fails. Stopping in a safe place and giving it time to cool is the safest first move.

Scope note

This is first-steps-only guidance to reduce immediate risk (burns, fire, blowout, unsafe roadside decisions). A tyre shop or mechanic may be needed to confirm the cause before you return to normal driving.

Important note

This is general information for a stressful moment, not professional advice. If you see smoke/flames, feel unsafe where you’re stopped, or the tyre shows any damage once cool, don’t drive—prioritise safety and get professional roadside help.

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