Wet weather warning: check your tyres

• Tyre maintenance even more important in wet
• Check tyre pressures and for cracks and wear
• See our summer driving guide for more tips

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Holidaymakers are being urged to check the tyres on their cars and caravans so they're not caught out in the current downpours.

With the holiday season in full swing, road safety organisation TyreSafe is stressing that it is more important than ever to make sure your tyres are safe before setting off, because the unseasonal weather has led to potentially hazardous driving conditions.

With caravans usually stored over winter months, potentially lethal cracking of the tyre sidewalls is common.

As a result, TyreSafe recommends that caravan tyres must never be used once they are over seven years old.

The legal tread limit for a caravan tyre is the same as on a road car - a minimum of 1.6mm over the central three-quarters of the tread.

Tyresafe is also urging people to remember to check their tyre pressures from cold to ensure accuracy, because incorrectly inflated tyres can lead to dangerous handling, increased tyre wear, higher carbon dioxide emissions and poorer fuel economy.

Also remember to apply the same thorough checks to your car and caravan's spare tyre.

• Further tips on safe and stress-free summer driving are available from whatcar.com's Summer Motoring Survival Guides.

This three-part series outlines all you need to know before setting off on your holidays.