Your car’s tyres are its only point of contact with the road – for this reason, they’re one…
Your car’s tyres are its only point of contact with the road—for this reason, they’re one of its most essential components. We all know that keeping car tyre pressure at the correct level is vital to keeping a vehicle running smoothly, but how to do this is less often discussed.
Why Does Tire Pressure Matter?
Tire pressure matters a lot. By inflating your car’s tyres, you keep yourself, your passengers, and other road users as safe as possible. Under and over-inflated tyres pose a whole host of risks due to incorrect tyre pressure:
Over Inflation
Overinflated tyres are more rigid than they should be, which reduces their ability to absorb shocks on bumpier roads. The high pressure inside overinflated tyres makes them considerably more explosive than their properly inflated counterparts, increasing the risk of a blown tyre. Finally, keeping tyres at too high a pressure decreases the surface area in contact with the road. This reduces your grip on the road and makes handling more difficult.
Under-Inflation
On the other hand, underinflated tyres pose problems. If the pressure in a tyre is too low, its lifetime can be reduced by as much as 25%, meaning you’ll need to replace it more frequently. Not only is this inefficient, but it also leads to totally avoidable spending. On top of this, under-inflated tyres increase your fuel consumption by 5%, significantly compromising your car’s handling. Low tyre pressure can lead to increased rolling resistance, excessive wear on the edges of the tread, and reduced fuel efficiency.
Keeping your tyres at too low or too high a pressure can seriously compromise your safety and economy. Conversely, a properly inflated tyre recreates a comfortable ride, allows optimal handling, and improves fuel efficiency.
Finding the Optimum Tyre Pressure for Your Vehicle
Luckily, finding the recommended tyre pressure for your car’s tyres is easy. There are a few different places you can check:
Your Vehicle’s Door
The driver’s side door may be the most straightforward place to find the optimum tyre pressure. Open the driver’s and look for a sticker on the inside.
Your Vehicle’s Handbook
Many old vehicles lack this handy studio, but if you still have your vehicle handbook, you can find the correct tyre pressure here.
Online
Check for the correct tyre pressure online if you can’t find your vehicle’s handbook. The manufacturer’s website is not reliable. This manufacturer calculates the optimum tyre pressure for your tyres; the figure will be given in PSI (pounds per square inch). Most passenger vehicles’ optimum tyre pressure ranges between 32 and 35 PSI. As a rule of thumb, the ideal pressure range will increase as the vehicle’s weight increases.
Using online tools can help you find the right tyre pressure for your specific vehicle model.
How to Inflate Car Tires Properly Using a Tyre Pressure Gauge
Now that you know the best pressure for your tyres, your next concern should be to measure tyre pressure and alter it if necessary. This is a straightforward process that you can do yourself:
Locate a pressure gauge
Most gas stations have an air compressor with a built-in tyre pressure gauge for their customers. Some are coin-operated, but many are free to use. You can also purchase a portable tyre pressure gauge for as little as $15, a great way to check up on your tyres on long journeys.
Check the pressure
Locate the small metal or rubber valve stem on the tyre before unscrewing the small plastic cap atop it to check tyre pressure. Next, connect the pressure gauge or compressor hose. With a portable gauge, push the open side against the valve stem until you hear a light rushing sound. After a few moments, remove the indicator and look at the screen for a pressure reading. At the gas station air compressor, attach the pump tip to the end of the valve stem.
Adjust the pressure
If the pressure reading exceeds the recommended level, pump up the tyre. How exactly this is done depends on the pump type – you may need to pull down a trigger or hold the hose firmly to the tyre. Watch the pressure, and stop filling when the correct level is reached. If the pressure is too high, you can release air on the go by simply pressing the tip of a screwdriver onto the metal pin in the centre of the tyre valve. Whether inflating or deflating, stop regularly to check the pressure. At the gas station compressor, another control on the hose will release air – check the operating procedure on a case-by-case basis and consult the staff if you’re in any doubt. Keep an eye on the pressure gauge as you go; you’ll let air out when the correct level is reached.
Replace the valve stem cap
Screw the plastic cap back in place firmly.
Caring For Your Tires
Checking and adjusting your tyre pressure regularly is just one way to keep your tyres in tip-top condition – you can also:
Inspect and check your tyre pressure regularly for wear and tear. Maintaining the correct air pressure in your tyres is crucial for their longevity and your vehicle’s performance.
Avoid overloading your cars so as not to put undue pressure on your tyres. A tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) can help you keep track of your tyre pressure and alert you to any issues.
Keep tyres clean to help prevent debris from damaging or punctuating the tyre. Ensure that rear tyres are properly inflated, especially when carrying heavy luggage or rear seat passengers.
Have your tyres balanced and your wheels aligned every 3,000 to 6,000 miles