The importance of having the correct tyre pressure
How often do you check the pressure of your tyres? Ensuring the correct tyre pressure is maintained has multiple benefits to both the vehicle itself and your safety. Your vehicle handbook will be able to tell you the suitable pressure for your tyres and it is your responsibility to ensure it is regularly checked and corrected to stay as safe as possible and also get the most out of your tyres.
Tyre Safety
40% of car accidents are related to underinflated tyres. Check your tyre pressures regularly to make sure you’re safe on the road.
Fuel Economy
Underinflated tyres increase your fuel consumption by around 5%. Keep your tyres inflated correctly to avoid high fuel bills.
Longevity
Incorrectly inflated tyres can cause premature tyre wear. Ensure your tyres last as long as possible by checking pressure regularly.
How often should I check my tyre pressure?
It is recommended that you check your tyre pressures at least once a month or before any long journeys. Many vehicle manufacturers also specify that tyre pressures should be increased when the vehicle is laden with a full set of passengers or heavy loads of luggage.
With an increased vehicle weight from extra passengers and luggage, many vehicles need to have their tyres inflated to a higher pressure to stay safe.
Drivers who fail to make these checks and adjustments significantly increase their likelihood of experiencing a dangerous and sudden rapid deflation. As the tyres run under-inflated, excessive heat builds up inside the tyre, which can lead to blowouts and even accidents.
Why is tyre pressure so important?
Making sure that your tyres are inflated to the correct level is extremely important; it plays a huge role in keeping you safe on the roads. In fact, 40% of car-fault accidents are related to under inflated tyres!
Safety
Tyres that are under-inflated are the most common reason for a blowout. Tyre blowouts are scary, resulting in a loss of control and potentially a nasty accident.
Longevity
Tyres that have been inflated to the correct pressure are likely to last much longer than those that are under-inflated. If a tyre is under-inflated by 5 PSI (pounds per square inch) it can reduce the life by around 25%. Tyres that are not checked often can lose around 1 to 2 PSI every month.
Economy
Ensuring your tyres are at their correct tyre pressure can also mean that you are being kinder to the environment. Under-inflated tyres can also increase your fuel consumption by around 5%, so you’ll be paying out more in fuel costs too.
Handling
Tyres with the correct pressure improve vehicle steering, handling and grip. Under-inflated tyres can increase stopping distances by up to eight metres, even more so in heavier vehicles and double in bad weather.
Incorrectly inflated tyres
Dangers of under-inflated tyres
Underinflation cause handling to become sluggish. Stopping distance & braking are affected and you’re more likely to lose control or even aquaplane in wet weather.
Overinflated tyres are more likely to overheat, increasing the risk of a tyre blowout.
Under-inflation also causes rapid wear on the outside edges of tyres, exposing cords & your tyres may become illegal.
Dangers of over-inflated tyres
Overinflation makes the tyre too hard & “stiff” reducing contact with the road surface. Handling becomes dangerous, especially cornering at high speed.
Overinflated tyres will also cause more rapid wear in the centre of your tyre, as reduced traction puts more pressure on the centre of the tyre. This reduction in contact with the road causes your vehicle’s engine to work harder which in turn increases fuel consumption.
How to check tyre pressures
Checking your tyre pressures is quick and easy! Learn how it’s done and then make sure you do it at least once a month or before any long journey.
Cold Tyres
Make sure your tyres are cold for accurate readings.
Check handbook
Check what pressures your vehicle needs in the handbook.
Pressure gauge
Use a pressure gauge at home or at your local petrol station.
Adjust pressures
Adjust to the recommendations in your vehicle handbook.
Monthly reminder
Make a note in your diary to check every month.
Where can I find the tyre pressures for my car?
The recommended tyre pressures for your vehicle can be found in your handbook, printed on either the inside of the fuel tank flap, or the sill of the driver’s door. The vehicle manufacturer may have suggested different tyre pressures for your front and rear tyres so it is important that you double check and know the recommendations for your vehicle.
If you’re unsure on how to inflate your tyres or what pressure is right for your vehicle, we at Eden Tyres & Servicing can help you. For more information, you can call in for a free, no obligation tyre check at one of our 19 branches, where we will be more than happy to help or you can give us a call on 0345 2997955.