The Worst Advice We've Ever Heard About Tyre Pressure

Tyre pressure is one of the most important aspects of car maintenance, as it affects your car’s performance and safety. Tyres that are not properly inflated can lead to poor handling, increased fuel consumption and even blowouts. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to correctly inflating tyres – from myths about what the “right” tyre pressure should be to advice about how often to check tire pressure. This article will help you make sense of all the bad advice we've heard about tyre pressure so you can keep your car safe and perform optimally.

Myth 1: It’s okay to over-inflate your tyres.

This is definitely not true! Over-inflating your Vauxhall Tyres Northampton can lead to decreased traction on the road, shorter tyre life and even blowouts. In fact, it’s far better to slightly under-inflate your tyres than to over-inflate them. To find the right amount of pressure for your car, check the manufacturer’s guide or look inside the driver’s door for a sticker with the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch).

Myth 2: You don't need to check tire pressure often.

This is one of those myths that could be dangerous if believed! Tyre pressure should be checked at least once a month - more often if you are doing a lot of driving in hot conditions or on rough terrain. Checking your tyre pressure regularly will ensure that you maintain the right amount of pressure and keep your car safe and performing optimally.

Myth 3: The “right” tyre pressure is the same for everyone.

This is completely false! The “right” tyre pressure varies from car to car, as different vehicles have different load capacities, wheel sizes and other factors that affect how much air should be in each tyre. To find out what the correct pressure should be for your vehicle, check the owner's manual or look inside the driver's door for a sticker with the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch).

Myth 4: It’s safe to use a tire gauge for all types of cars.

Not true! Different car models require different types of tire gauges in order to get an accurate reading. For example, some vehicles have special low-pressure tyre monitors that should be used when checking the pressure. It's always best to check your owner's manual or look inside the driver's door for a sticker with the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) and type of tire gauge before using one on your vehicle.

Myth 5 : The only way to check your tyre pressure is with a gauge.

This couldn't be further from the truth! While using a tire gauge is one of the most accurate ways to read tyre pressure, there are other methods you can use as well. For example, some cars have special low-pressure monitors that will alert you if your Vauxhall Tyres Northampton are under-inflated.

Myth 6 :You only need to check your tyre pressure when you get new tyres.

Wrong again! Tyre pressure should be checked at least once a month - more often if you are doing a lot of driving in hot conditions or on rough terrain. This will ensure that the tyres are properly inflated and performing optimally. Furthermore, it’s important to check the tyre pressure before and after any long drives, as well as after going through any large puddles or mud holes.

Myth 7 : The only way to correct tyre pressure is by adding more air.

False! In some cases, you may need to remove some air from the tyre if it is over-inflated. To do this, use a tire gauge and slowly let out air until you reach the recommended pressure for your vehicle (as listed in the owner's manual). It’s important not to let too much air out at once as this can cause an imbalance in the tyres and decrease performance.

Myth 8 : You don't need to check your tyre pressure during winter.

This is definitely not true! Tyre pressure should be checked regularly throughout the year - regardless of season or weather conditions. Cold temperatures can cause tyres to lose air pressure, so it’s important to check them periodically to ensure they are properly inflated and at the correct PSI. Additionally, making sure your Car Tyres Northampton are properly inflated will help improve grip on icy roads in winter.

Myth 9 : You can always tell when your tyres are under-inflated by looking at them.

This is a common misconception that could be dangerous if believed! While it is true that under-inflated tires may appear flatter or have more tread wear than normal, you should always use a gauge to get an accurate reading of tyre pressure. The best way to be sure is to check your vehicle’s owner's manual for the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) and use a tire gauge to make sure your tyres are properly inflated.

Myth 10 : You don't need to check your tyre pressure if you have nitrogen in your tires.

This is not accurate. While nitrogen-filled tyres are less susceptible to air loss than regular air-filled tyres, it's still important to check the pressure regularly to ensure that the tyres are properly inflated and performing optimally.

Conclusion

Tyre pressure is an essential part of car maintenance, but it can also be confusing due to all the misinformation out there. With this article, we hope to set the record straight and equip you with the knowledge needed to keep your car safe and performing optimally. Remember, tyres should be checked at least once a month - more often if you are doing a lot of driving in hot conditions or on rough terrain - and always use the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) and type of tire gauge for your specific vehicle!