How frequently should you check the air pressure in your tyres?
In order to ensure that the tyres of your vehicle are safe, perform effectively, and last long, correct tyre air pressure is a key requirement. Yet, many drivers tend to ignore this important practice, often resulting in safety issues, excessive wear of the tyres. `
There is no denying the fact that optimal pressure levels in your Car Tyres Peterborough are important for safety purposes, improving performance, longevity of the tyres and easing the overall fuel consumption. The right inflation helps balance the vehicle even in the different terrains and driving conditions and goes a long way in ensuring safety on the roads.
Pressure drop in tyres is a natural process. For instance, an average tyre loses up to one pound per square inch (psi) of air each month. If this has not been attended to for some time, it could cause a relative decrease in efficiency. It is advisable to monitor and adjust the air pressure of all tyres, including the spare one, at least once in every four weeks or prior to long trips. Regular pressure checks mitigated unnecessary tyre break downs and sustained performance levels.
Low air pressure
Having low air pressure in tyres can be quite disadvantageous. When there is not enough pressure, the width of the contact patch increases and generates excessive stress to the outer areas of the tread. This leads to unequal force distribution and cause outer cut and damage to the tyre, affecting its functionality and structural composition. Low pressure in tyres also results in increased angle of the sidewall from the perpendicular line than expected which is very risky especially when cornering on high speed or even leaning. Fuel cost will also tend to go higher with under-inflated tyres as the engine will be forced to exert more power in order to keep the speed constant.
High air pressure
On the other hand, excessive air pressure has its own difficulties. Over-inflated tyres take on a marvelous bulged center, therefore, a lot of force is exerted in the middle only which is not the intended design of the tyre. Such concentration of force in one plane leads to variation in wear patterns more so in the case of tread wear which occurs vertically along the curved surface of the tyre tread and is excessive hence wears faster than usual creating unsafe driving conditions. Over-inflated tyres can also limit the wheels’ grip, increasing the difficulty level for the vehicle to hold the road especially in the wet or slick surfaces.
How to check Tyre Pressure?
1) Obtain a reliable pressure gauge or have your car checked at a workshop or gas station nearby.
2) Tyres should be checked first in the morning or at least three hours after driving.
3) Place the gauge over the valve.
4) Check the air pressure level that has been measured against the level on the car door.
If the measured figure is higher than required, then air should be released to bring it down to the figure indicated on the car door.
If the measured figure is lower, then more air should be pumped in to raise it up to the figure specified on the car door.
Common Myths About Tyre Pressure
"I don’t need to worry about checking my tyres until the need arises": Most of the drivers don’t bother to check the pressure until they have a handling issue or deflated tyre instead of before the problems arise. Regular checks can avoid these problems from happening.
“All tyres are made in a similar way; therefore, I can use any gauge for that purpose”: While it is true that most of them give quite accurate readings, some may differ. Most importantly, it is very crucial that one uses a certain reliable, calibrated otherwise, will be distortive.
“Tyre pressure does not vary quite a lot”: Like we have said previously, there are various reasons as to the loss of pressure in the tyres and one of the ones mainly contributing being the effect of low or high temperatures. So make sure to do it often to be up to date.
“There is no use for a tyre pressure gauge since I can assess the level of inflation by simply looking at the tyre”: It is not always correct to make assumptions based on a visual assessment. The outside of a tyre may appear fine yet be under-inflated. Always check with a gauge.
In conclusion, it's clear why maintaining and testing a car's tyre air pressure is an important yet straightforward chore that shouldn't be disregarded. Over time, conducting such inspections—especially before a long-distance journey—frequently—at least once a month and with each transition from summer to winter—will improve road safety, fuel economy, and tyre longevity. The car won't lose performance or safety when travelling as long as you keep your tyre pressure levels in check and follow other recommendations.
Spending even a few minutes each month to check the air pressure in your tyres may have a big impact on your ride quality, reduce the likelihood of accidents, and save money on gas. You can be sure that your wheels will be operating at their peak efficiency if you contact Mobile Tyre Fitting Peterborough for this important task.
