Ensuring your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure is a straightforward yet important aspect of vehicle maintenance. Proper tyre pressures contribute to tyre longevity, vehicle efficiency, and road safety. This guide provides a clear and practical approach to checking and maintaining the pressure of your car tyres.
Why The Correct Tyre Pressures Matters
The air pressure inside your tyres directly affects their performance, lifespan, and your driving experience. Tyre pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) or BAR and should align with the manufacturer’s recommendations for your vehicle. You can typically find this information in your vehicle’s handbook, on a sticker in the driver’s door frame, or inside the fuel flap.
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure ensures even tyre wear, optimises fuel economy, and provides better grip and handling. Incorrect pressures, whether too low or too high, can lead to a range of problems that may compromise your vehicle's safety and efficiency.
Effects of Incorrect Tyre Pressures
Underinflated Tyres
When tyres are underinflated, they don’t maintain even contact with the road. This can result in quicker wear on the outer edges of the tread, leading to shorter tyre life. Underinflation also increases rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency and may increase emissions. Over time, insufficient pressure can also raise the risk of tyre failure, such as a blowout.
Overinflated Tyres
Overinflated tyres can wear out unevenly, with more pressure concentrated on the central part of the tread. This reduces the contact area with the road, which can negatively affect traction and braking performance. Additionally, excessive pressure can lead to a harsher ride and increase the likelihood of tyre damage, such as cuts or punctures.
How to Check Your Tyre Pressure
Checking your tyre pressure is a simple process, requiring only basic tools and a few minutes of your time.
1. Locate the Recommended Tyre Pressure
Before you check the pressure, identify the correct values for your tyres. These are specific to your vehicle and may vary between the front and rear tyres. You’ll typically find this information in the vehicle’s handbook, on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame, or inside the fuel flap.
2. Inspect Your Tyres When Cold
Tyres should always be checked when they are cold, ideally before the vehicle has been driven for the day. This ensures the reading is not affected by heat, which can temporarily increase tyre pressure.
3. Use a Tyre Pressure Gauge
A tyre pressure gauge is an essential tool for checking your tyres. Both digital and analogue gauges are widely available and easy to use. Start by unscrewing the valve cap on the tyre you’re checking. Firmly press the gauge onto the valve to obtain a reading.
The gauge will display the current pressure of the tyre. Compare this reading with the recommended pressure for your vehicle.
4. Adjust the Pressure as Needed
If the tyre pressure is too low, use an air pump or compressor to inflate the tyre to the correct level. These are commonly available at petrol stations and can also be purchased for home use.
If the pressure is too high, release air by pressing the valve stem until the gauge shows the correct reading.
Repeat the process for all four tyres and replace the valve caps once finished.
How Often Should You Check Tyre Pressure?
Regular tyre pressure checks are important for maintaining optimal performance and safety. Ideally, tyre pressures should be checked every two weeks and always before embarking on long journeys. During seasonal changes, particularly in warmer weather, tyres may lose air more quickly, so it’s wise to check them more frequently.
Considerations for Different Situations
Additional Loads
If you’re carrying additional passengers or a heavy load, you may need to adjust your tyre pressures accordingly. Check your vehicle’s handbook for guidance on the correct pressures for a fully laden vehicle.
Electric Vehicles
For electric vehicles (EVs), tyre pressures may need to be higher due to the additional weight of the battery. Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for your particular EV model. Maintaining the correct pressures is important for preserving the vehicle’s range and ensuring proper handling.
Slow Punctures
If you notice your tyres losing pressure regularly, it may be due to a slow puncture. In this case, it’s best to have your tyres inspected by a professional to determine whether a repair or replacement is necessary.
Benefits of Maintaining Correct Tyre Pressure
Adhering to the recommended tyre pressures benefits both your vehicle and your driving experience. Properly inflated tyres wear evenly, extending their lifespan and saving you money in the long run. Additionally, maintaining the correct pressure improves fuel economy by reducing rolling resistance, which can help to lower your overall running costs. From a safety perspective, tyres with proper pressure offer better grip and more predictable handling, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Always check tyre pressures when they are cold for an accurate reading.
- Ensure your pressure gauge is reliable and in good working condition.
- Don’t forget to check your spare tyre periodically as well, so it’s ready to use in case of an emergency.
- Adjust pressures if your driving conditions or vehicle load changes significantly.
By incorporating tyre pressure checks into your routine, you can help ensure your vehicle remains safe, efficient, and reliable on the road. It’s a simple task that doesn’t take long but can have a big impact on the performance and longevity of your tyres.
