In the UK, very few car owners or drivers are concerned about tyre pressure. Why are we claiming this? The recent survey has revealed that around 56.8 % car tyres in the UK are minimum 4 psi below the recommended air pressure. It is quite natural that after coming home from a tiring day at the office or on the way to a school run, your car’s tyre pressure is the last thing on your mind. However, regardless of the fact that your drive is a short or a long one, correct tyre pressure is crucial for your safety. It has been observed that tyres Thurmaston with the proper tyre pressure offer better performance and fuel efficiency of your vehicle. This extends your tyres’ life so you also save up on the replacement costs. Keeping in mind the significance of correct tyre pressure, we have offered in this article the major effects of inappropriate pressure on your tyres, and how to ensure correct tyre pressure regularly.
Reasons to maintain correct tyre pressure.
A properly inflated tyre ensures longevity, not just for the tyre itself but also for the vehicle. But, is that it? The short answer would be, no! Car Tyres Leicester that are appropriately inflated offers several benefits, including:
Uneven tyre wear: A major reason why tyre technicians advise you to maintain correct pressure is to avoid uneven and damaging tyre wear. A tyre that is underinflated will have a greater surface area coming into contact with the road. This extra contact will cause increased wear on both inner and outer shoulders of the tyre. Besides, premature wear on tyre treads and poor traction are also commonly observed in underinflated tyres. All of these lead to the need for frequent maintenance, repairs, and even replacements.
Frequent punctures: A vehicle running on an underinflated tyre is bound to put more force and weight on the tyre. This causes tread wear in a significantly lesser time period. On the contrary, properly inflated tyres and their treads last longer and are more durable. So, premature tyre wear means the treads are shorter and can eventually lead to punctures, while a regularly maintained and inflated tyre offers lowered risks of such inconveniences.
Tyre blowouts: You might be able to drive up to a certain period with underinflated tyres, but is risking your life worth it? Poorly inflated tyres could lead to life-threatening situations such as tyre blowouts. Blowouts are extremely sudden and would not give you enough time interval to think through the situation. As a result, most drivers panic and lose vehicle control. Loss of vehicle control often leads to major car accidents, including rollovers.
Unsafe vehicle handling: Underinflation in tyres cause greater flex in their sidewalls, as compared to proper tyre inflation. Tyres are designed with appropriate air pressure that ensure competent handling, such as braking, turning, and cornering. Hence, when your tyres are under inflated braking efficiency is reduced too. Besides, you are at a greater risk of hydroplaning while driving with underinflated tyres on wet roads.
Increased fuel consumption: Low tyre pressure means there is more surface area in contact with the road. This increases the drag, causing your vehicle to exert more power to drive itself. When your car requires more power it uses up more fuel leading to low fuel efficiency.
Hence, your car’s overall performance, including its braking, acceleration, and fuel efficiency is highly dependent on correct tyre pressure. So, what can you do to maintain proper inflation for your tyres Thurmaston? Read ahead to find out.
Guidelines to maintain correct tyre pressure.
Caring for your tyres requires timely services and maintenance. However, it is not quite possible to line up outside a garage everytime you want your tyres’ pressure checked. This is why, we have listed a guideline for easy maintenance of your car’s tyre pressure:
Check your car’s tyre pressure regularly. It is preferred to check tyre pressure once in a month, before all trips, and when there is a change in the vehicle load.
Compare your measured tyre pressure with the accurate reading found on your car’s manual, petrol cap, driver’s door ledge, or using authentic websites online.
For measuring pressure, use only a dependable gauge, tested and approved for usage. Your gauge will record pressure in either bar or psi units. Compare them to your vehicle’s handbook, and in case the references are not similar, change the measurements’ link using the internet.
While checking the pressure, you could also perform a visual check. This ensures any uneven tread wear, bulges, cuts, or any other damages are identified promptly.
It is important that you remember to examine all your tyres, even the spare one.
Perform a pressure check only when your tyres are cold. We usually advise our clients to check tyre pressure preferably when they have driven under two miles.
Warm weather causes the pressure to decrease more rapidly. Hence, frequent pressure checks are significant during the summer months.
Tyres play the most vital role of ensuring your safety on the road. They deserve you utmost care and attention too, making regular maintenance and pressure checks highly significant. For high-performing and durable 4×4 Tyres Leicester schedule your tyre maintenance timely, with our centre.
David Fenton