Tyre Pressure Guide

Introduction

If you own a car, then you know that regular maintenance is key to keeping it running smoothly.  Proper maintenance ensures that there is less wear and tear on your vehicle, and it saves you money in the long run.

 One of the most critical aspects of car maintenance is ensuring that your tyres are properly inflated. Proper tyre inflation not only ensures your safety on the road, but it can also help you save money on fuel and prolong the life of your tyres. This guide will discuss everything you need to know about the right tyre pressure for your car.

Why is Tyre Pressure Important?

Before we get into the specifics of tyre pressure, let's first understand why it is so important. Tyre pressure affects many aspects of your car's performance, including;

Safety: Underinflated tyres can lead to decreased handling and stability, making it harder to control your car. Overinflated tyres can also affect your ability to brake effectively and may even result in a blowout.

Fuel Economy: Properly inflated tyres can improve your car's fuel economy by reducing rolling resistance.

Tyre Life: Overinflated or underinflated tyres can cause uneven wear and premature failure of your tyres. 

How to Determine the Correct Tyre Pressure

The correct tyre pressure for your car can usually be found in your owner's manual, inside the driver's side door, or on the sidewall of your tyres.    It is essential to use the recommended tyre pressure as indicated by your car's manufacturer, as it has been tested and determined to be the safest and most efficient pressure for your car.

How to check tyre pressure?

Checking your tyre pressure is a simple process that can be done in minutes. Here's how:

1. Check your car's owner's manual for the recommended tyre pressure.
2. Purchase a tyre pressure gauge from your local auto parts store, drive to your local garage, and check the pressure there, or go to your local tyre depot, where they will happily check your pressure for free.
3. Park your car on a level surface.
4. Remove the valve cap from one of your tyres.
5. Press the tyre pressure gauge onto the valve stem and take note of the reading.
6. Compare the reading to the recommended pressure in your car's owner's manual.
7. Repeat the process for all four tyres.
8. It's recommended to check your tyre pressure at least once a month and before long journeys or carrying heavy loads.

Why should the pressure be for my car tyres?

What should the pressure be for my car tyres?

The correct tyre pressure for your car can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. It's important to consult your car's owner's manual for the recommended tyre pressure. 

Generally, the recommended tyre pressure for most cars is between 32-38 pounds per square inch PSI  for passenger vehicles and 50+ PSI for vans. However, it's important to remember that this can vary depending on the make and model of your car, so always consult your owner's manual, the sticker on the driver's door or the fuel cap.

The correct pressure will be listed in Pounds per square inch (PSI) or BAR; BAR is the metric unit of atmospheric pressure equal to 14.50 pounds per square inch.  Confusing? It can be, but we have included a handy guide below to help you.

Which Magazine have an  online BAR to PSI converter. 

Pressure is denoted for cold tyres (car not used for 2-3 hours), and usually, you will be shown two pressures: One for normal use (unladen) and one for when your car is full of people and luggage (laden). It’s a good idea to check your tyres when they are cold, e.g. at the start of your journey.  Tyre pressure will increase as the tyres warm up, so if you check your trye pressure when warm, you will likely set the pressure too low.

Factors Affecting Tyre Pressure

Tyre pressure can be affected by several factors, including

Vehicle Manufacturer's Recommendations

The recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle can typically be found in the owner's manual, inside the driver's door, or on the fuel cap. It's important to follow these recommendations to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Ambient Temperature

Tyre pressure can increase or decrease with temperature changes. As temperatures rise, the air inside your tyres expands, causing the pressure to increase. Conversely, as temperatures drop, the air inside your tyres contracts, causing the pressure to decrease. It's important to check your tyre pressure regularly and adjust it accordingly, especially during extreme temperature changes.

Load Capacity

The weight of your vehicle and any additional weight from passengers or cargo can affect tyre pressure. The more weight your tyres carry, the higher the pressure to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Conclusion

Correct tyre pressure is crucial for safe driving, optimal performance, and cost savings. By following the manufacturer's recommendations, checking and adjusting your tyre pressure regularly, and understanding why it matters, you can ensure your tyres perform at their best.

FAQs

1. How often should I check my tyre pressure?
It's recommended to check your tyre pressure at least once a month or before long road trips.

2.Can I rely on my car's tyre pressure monitoring system(TPMS)?
While tyre pressure monitoring systems can be helpful, they are only sometimes accurate. It's still important to manually check your tyre pressure regularly.

3.What happens if I overinflate my tyres?
Overinflated tyres can cause a rough ride, decreased traction, and increased risk of damage to the tyre.

4. What happens if I underinflate my tyres?
Underinflated tyres can lead to poor handling, reduced fuel efficiency, and even cause your tyres to overheat and fail.

5. Can I use the same pressure for all four tyres?
No, the recommended pressure may differ between the front and rear tyres, so make sure to check the manual, sticker inside the car door or fuel cap for details.