Oil prices are rising due to Iran-US tensions threatening the Strait of Hormuz. With that in mind, experts have warned drivers to make one change.

Several cars in a parking lot in a row side by side on a sunny day with shade and white lines on the pavement, side view

Drivers have been urged to make one change (stock image) (Image: aire images via Getty Images)

UK motorists are being urged to make one vital change in light of the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US – replace worn tyres. Whilst many individuals consult social media for car and tyre guidance, it's essential to obtain expert advice, particularly given the current global circumstances.

Fresh concerns have surfaced regarding potential disruption in the Strait of Hormuz - a crucial channel for worldwide energy - which could spark a spike in prices. The markets have already reacted, with oil prices rising in recent days as traders factor in supply risk and elevated shipping costs.

So why does this affect tyres? Despite their straightforward rubber appearance, a substantial proportion of tyre components is connected to the oil and petrochemical supply chain - and when oil prices increase, freight and production expenses often rise accordingly.

With war-risk insurance and rerouting further driving up transport costs, manufacturers may find themselves paying more to obtain materials and move products through the supply chain, and these increases can ultimately be transferred onto consumers at the till.

Synthetic rubber plays a significant role here. Traditional naphtha (linked with crude refining) is employed to manufacture petrochemical raw materials including butadiene, a key component of synthetic rubber used widely in tyres.

Additionally, carbon black - a principal tyre filler - has been previously flagged as a pressure point during energy crises, alongside rising production and logistics costs.

What occurred the last time oil prices surged?

Data specialists at AI SEO examined historical oil price spikes alongside UK tyre pricing trends to establish how quickly motorists feel the knock-on effects.

Their analysis compared the initial phases of the Russia-Ukraine conflict with the official tyre price index during that period, mapping how energy crises convert into tyre costs.

According to AI SEO, the most relevant comparison is the opening phase of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, when Brent crude rocketed from approximately $90 (£67) per barrel in early February 2022 to an intraday peak of nearly $140 (£105) on 8 March 2022.

During that same window, UK tyre costs climbed dramatically: the tyre price index stood at an average of 114.9 in 2021 before leaping to 127.1 in 2022 - representing roughly an 11% increase throughout the year.

AI SEO warns the threat today is that we're facing compounding pressures: the Ukraine conflict continues unabated, whilst fresh turbulence in the Gulf is pushing oil prices upward once more.

In their assessment, this double-whammy means crude could surge beyond the early 2022 peak - heightening the likelihood of another wave of tyre price increases should elevated oil and shipping premiums persist. Drawing on this historical correlation (oil shock → tyre cost pressure → retail repricing), AI SEO predicts that UK tyre prices could rise by approximately 8% to 12% if crude continues its upward trend and shipping surcharges/insurance costs remain high.

A spokesperson for AI SEO said: "Drivers remember the fuel spike, but many don't realise tyres are exposed too - through petrochemical-linked inputs and higher transport costs. Our advice isn't panic-buying. It's replacing tyres now if they're near the limit, before pricing resets again."

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Motorists are also reminded that the legal minimum tread depth for cars is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre around the full circumference.

Those unsure are urged to check their tyre tread, look out for cracks or bulges, and arrange a replacement sooner rather than risking a last-minute failure - especially as wetter roads and extended braking distances continue to present a significant safety risk.