Tyre Pressure 101: Essential Guide for Safe and Efficient Driving 

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is crucial for your car’s safety, performance and fuel efficiency. Improperly inflated tyres not only affect your vehicle’s handling but can also lead to premature wear and even accidents.

In this tyre pressure guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about tyre pressure—from why it’s important to how to check tyre pressure correctly.

Why is Tyre Pressure Important? 

Having the ideal tyre pressure for cars is essential for several reasons:

1. Safety: Under-inflated tyres can reduce your vehicle’s grip on the road, especially in wet conditions, making it more difficult to handle and increasing braking distances. Over-inflated tyres, on the other hand, have less contact with the road surface, which reduces traction.
2. Fuel Efficiency: Maintaining the correct tyre pressure reduces rolling resistance, which means the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to move the vehicle. Proper tyre pressure can improve fuel efficiency by up to 3%.
3. Extended Tyre Life: Properly inflated tyres wear evenly, meaning you’ll get more miles out of them before they need replacement. On the other hand, tyres that are not inflated correctly experience uneven wear, leading to premature replacement.
4. Environmental Impact: Since properly inflated tyres improve fuel efficiency, maintaining the correct pressure reduces emissions and lessens your carbon footprint.

How to Check Your Tyre Pressure 

 Checking your tyre pressure is simple and can be done at home or at a service station. Here’s a quick tyre pressure monitoring guide:

1. Locate the Recommended Pressure: Find the ideal tyre pressure for your car in the owner’s manual, on a sticker inside the driver’s door, or on the fuel filler cap. This pressure may vary depending on the vehicle’s load.
2. Use a Pressure Gauge: For an accurate reading, use a digital or manual pressure gauge. Many service stations offer free air pumps with built-in gauges, though it’s best to check pressure with your own gauge for consistency.
3. Check Pressure When Cold: Tyre pressure increases as tyres heat up from driving, so it’s ideal to check pressure when your tyres are cold, such as in the morning or after the car has been parked for a few hours.
4. Adjust as Needed: Add or release air to bring each tyre to the recommended pressure. Remember to check the spare tyre too!

Common Tyre Pressure Issues

1. Under-Inflation: Under-inflated tyres can lead to increased rolling resistance, meaning your engine needs to work harder. Common signs of low tyre pressure include a sluggish feel while driving and uneven wear on the outer edges.
2. Over-Inflation: Over-inflated tyres have less contact with the road, resulting in reduced traction and a bumpier ride. Over time, this leads to excessive wear in the centre of the tyre.
3. Temperature Effects: Tyre pressure fluctuates with temperature changes. For every 10°C drop in temperature, tyre pressure can decrease by about 1 PSI. During colder months, it’s essential to check tyre pressure regularly to ensure it remains at the recommended level.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tyre Pressure

How often should I check my tyre pressure?

Ideally, you should check your tyre pressure once a month. It’s also essential to check before long road trips or when carrying heavy loads.

Can tyre pressure impact braking distance?

Yes, both under and over-inflated tyres can affect braking distance. Proper tyre pressure ensures optimal traction and handling, which is crucial for safe braking.

How does tyre pressure affect tyre wear?

Incorrect tyre pressure causes uneven tyre wear. Under-inflation leads to wear on the outer edges, while over-inflation results in wear along the centre of the tread.

Tips for Maintaining Correct Tyre Pressure

• Regular Checks: Set a reminder to check your tyre pressure monthly and before long trips.
• Invest in a Quality Gauge: A reliable tyre pressure gauge is essential for accurate readings.
• Adjust for Loads: If you’re carrying a heavy load or have additional passengers, adjust your tyre pressure according to your vehicle’s recommended specifications.
• Monitor with TPMS: Many modern cars are equipped with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that alerts you when your tyre pressure is too low.

Tyre Pressure: When to Seek Professional Assistance

If you notice any issues, such as frequent loss of pressure, uneven wear, or low tread depth, contact a professional. At ChipsAway, we’re here to assist with expert advice and inspections to ensure your tyres are safe and properly maintained.

Ensuring your tyres are at the ideal tyre pressure not only improves safety but also extends tyre life and increases fuel efficiency. For any questions or to book a check-up, contact ChipsAway and drive confidently with the correct tyre pressure.