Importance Of Maintaining The Correct Tyre Pressure

Do you inspect your tyre pressure regularly? Keeping your tyres inflated to the right pressure for your vehicle has significant benefits for both the vehicle’s performance and overall safety.

For optimum safety and efficiency from your tyres, it’s critical to check the pressure regularly. If you’re uncertain about the appropriate tyre pressure for your vehicle, refer to your vehicle’s handbook, which will provide the correct pressure information.

How Frequently Should I Check My Tyre Pressure?

As a general guideline, your tyre pressure should be checked on a monthly basis. However, if you’re travelling long distances daily, you may need to check more often. Tyre manufacturers recommend increasing tyre pressure when carrying heavy loads or extra passengers.

Neglecting to account for extra weight and conducting these checks can lead to a heightened risk of dangerous accidents or sudden tyre deflation. Insufficient tyre pressure, or under-inflation, can speed up tyre wear, resulting in blowouts, punctures, and accidents.

UK Tyre Laws

In the UK, there are specific laws relating to tyre pressure and overall tyre safety. The legal minimum tread depth for car tyres in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Driving with tyres that don’t meet this minimum standard can lead to fines and points on your license.

How to Check Your Tyre Pressure

To check your tyre pressure, you will need a reliable tyre pressure gauge. Remove the cap from the tyre’s valve, attach the pressure gauge and note the reading. Repeat this process for each tyre, making sure to also check your spare. Compare these readings with the recommended pressures listed in your vehicle’s handbook.

Common Problems Associated with Incorrectly Inflated Tyres

Tyres inflated to the incorrect pressure can lead to a range of issues that can impact your vehicle and driving experience:

  • Damage to the chassis, steering and wheel alignment
  • Reduced fuel economy
  • Poor vehicle handling and control
  • Increased stress when driving
  • Impaired braking and reduced cornering capacity
  • Increased likelihood of skidding and loss of control when braking

Under-inflated Tyres

Tyres with too low a pressure, or under-inflated tyres, can cause handling to become slower and less responsive. The braking and stopping distance may also be affected. Consequently, the chances of losing control of your vehicle, particularly in adverse weather conditions, and having a collision are significantly increased.

Under-inflated tyres can also wear out more quickly on the edges, exposing tyre cords, and may even become illegal to drive.

Over-inflated Tyres

Tyres with too high a pressure, or over-inflated tyres, make the tyre too rigid, decreasing road contact. This can result in more dangerous handling, particularly when taking corners at high speeds.

Over-inflation can also cause premature wear in the centre of your tyres, as the reduced traction puts much pressure on this area. This decreased contact with the road makes your vehicle’s engine work harder, which in turn increases overall fuel consumption.

Q/A Section

How often should I check my Tyre Pressure?
As a rule of thumb, check your tyre pressure at least once a month. If you’re travelling long distances regularly, consider checking more frequently.

How do I know if my Tyres need the pressure?
If your tyres appear visibly deflated, your vehicle’s handling changes, or your fuel consumption increases, your tyres may need more pressure.

Can you drive with low tyre pressure?
Driving with low tyre pressure is not recommended. It can cause uneven tyre wear, poor handling, increased fuel consumption, and a higher risk of accidents.

Can you feel low tyre pressure?
Yes, you may notice changes in your vehicle’s handling, such as pulling to one side, indicating low tyre pressure.

What happens if I don’t check my tyre pressure?
Not checking your tyre pressure can lead to either under or over-inflation, both of which can cause problems like uneven wear, damage to your vehicle, and decreased fuel efficiency. It can also increase your risk of accidents.

We hope this comprehensive guide helps you understand the importance of correct tyre pressure. If you are still unsure about how to inflate your tyres or need guidance on the right pressure for your vehicle, we are here to help.

For more information, call us on 0116 254 4489 or alternatively fill out our contact form and a member of the team will be in touch with you!

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