The Importance Of Correct Tyre Pressures

On a day to day basis, it becomes all too easy to overlook the simple things that require checking on your car – such as oil, water, ancillary fluids, lights, tyres, tyre pressures etc. There’s so many that you could spend around 20 minutes before each journey giving it a good look over. We do recommend a thorough check at least once a week if you use your vehicle regularly, but even if you don’t tyre pressure stands out. Here are the reasons why:

• Thanks to tyre pressure monitoring systems it’s easy to check. Simply press the button and look at it on the display. Minimal effort!

• Without a TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) fitted, simply check at your local garage using the pump. Are all of your tyres conforming to factory recommendations?

• A slow puncture will continue to show over time. The only way to tell that it actually exists is by checking pressure!

• Tyres at the optimum pressure will feel better. They will offer more response and will be less likely to suffer excessive wear or lack of grip. Think safety.

• Due to road camber (angle on the tilt on the road for rain run off and to aid cornering traction) it can be very difficult to visually inspect a tyre for lack of pressure. Check it properly to ensure it’s correct.

• When you have a higher load (see your car manual for specifics) – say you’re carrying a full car of passengers for example – you’ll likely need slightly higher pressures to cope with this.

Don’t forget to also examine the side wall of the tyre for any lumps, bumps, cracks or crazing. If in doubt, have a professional check it out. Remember, there’s only four contact patches that keep you on the road and if one of them fail at speed it can be extremely serious for those in the vehicle as well as others around you. Stay safe – check your tyres.