Signs Your Tyres Need More Air
Protyre’s years of experience in providing expert advice and services for the vehicles and customers in our care have taught us a thing or two about tyres. Whether you’ve got Pirelli or Bridgestone rubber on your car, tyre safety is not a subject to be taken lightly. Without enough air to reinforce your tyres and provide support while you’re driving, you run the risk of flats, blow-outs, compromised handling, poor fuel economy and other problems that can lead to costly repairs.
If you’re concerned about the state of your tyres, below is our simple guide to help you figure out if your tyres need a little more air, or a little more attention.
They Look Flat
In our experience, looking at your tyres can tell you a lot about the state of their health! Do a quick spot check of your tyres regularly. If they start to look flat or unusual, they might need more air.
Changes in Your Driving Experience
A seasoned driver soon begins to know what driving their car feels like - the normal sounds, motion, or how quickly a car picks up speed, for example. But losing air pressure in your tyres can change the drive of a car. If you’re finding that it’s difficult to reach certain speeds, that you hear unusual noises from the underside of the car, your fuel economy has suddenly changed, or that your handling or steering starts to shake, it’s time to check the tyres.
Vibration can be related to suspension problems, so it is best to have your vehicle checked by a qualified fitter if this happens.
Low Pressure Readings
An experienced driver should have a tyre pressure gauge in their vehicle at all times. Once a month, even if you believe your tyres are fine, take the time to check your tyres to see whether the air pressure is at the level recommended by your manufacturer. Always do so when the tyres are cool, before driving any significant distance. If you own a newer car, there may be sensors in the vehicle that will tell you when the tyre pressure has dropped too far.
Changes in Weather
Tyres lose air pressure as the temperature changes, especially when it suddenly drops. Check your air levels at any time your car is exposed to sudden changes in temperature. While the pressure lost might be minimal, pressure changes can accumulate over time and will compromise handling on roads and corners.
Stopping Distance
If you notice that your vehicle is taking longer than it normally does to come to a complete stop, then it might be a sign that your tyres have low air pressure. Tyres are unable to grip the road surface as well when they are underinflated, so it’s important to check them if you notice changes.
Our qualified fitters in our local garages are there to help you with any tyre concerns. If you’ve noticed any of these issues, why not book a free tyre check with Protyre to check the health of your tyres. Our staff will advise you as to the best solutions for your vehicle so you can maintain a smooth and safe ride. For more details on our services, why not explore our site or talk to your local Protyre team to find out how we can help you.