Why having the correct tyre pressure is important
It’s easy to forget to regularly check the pressure of your tyres. But the importance of making sure that you’re driving on tyres which are correctly inflated should never be underestimated.
It’s essential for your safety since it affects your braking ability, in addition to the grip you have on the road. It also affects the life-span of your tyres.
Ideally, you should aim to check your tyre pressure at least once a month. If you’re unsure as to what the correct level should be, you can usually find this in your vehicle’s handbook. Alternatively, you can book a free check with any of our tyre professionals here at Protyre.
If you are checking the pressure of your tyres yourself, remember to do this when your tyres are cold. Otherwise, you may find you don’t get an accurate reading. It’s also worth bearing in mind that the correct pressure for your vehicle could vary depending on the load you are carrying. Your car manufacturer may recommend different pressure levels for normal use and for times when you may be carrying a load full of luggage and/or people. It’s important to think about this and check your tyres are suitably inflated for the journey you have ahead.
Problems caused by driving with under- or over-inflated tyres
Incorrectly inflated tyres can cause all sorts of problems. These range from adverse effects on the handling of your vehicle through to making the tyres themselves more prone to damage. In addition to the obvious safety implications, this may mean that you find yourself having to replace tyres sooner than expected.
What are the risks of under-inflated tyres?
Driving around on tyres below the recommended minimum pressure can cause all sorts of problems in the longer term. Firstly, they will be more susceptible to wear and tear as contact with the road is likely to focus on the edges of the tyre tread. This will mean you’ll have to replace your tyres sooner to ensure that you are driving legally.
Additionally, under-inflated tyres can overheat and damage the sidewalls, creating the risk of them bursting. They also generate greater rolling resistance against the road surface, meaning it will cost you more in fuel simply to maintain speed.
What are the risks of over-inflated tyres?
Over-inflated tyres will give you a much harder, bumpier ride and will reduce the surface area of the tyre actually in contact with the road. The centre of the tyre tread will be taking most of the pressure from the road and this will speed up the rate of wear and tear as well as making your tyres more likely to suffer damage from any impact.
The reduction in the amount of contact that over-inflated tyres have with the road also reduces grip, which can be especially dangerous in poor weather or driving conditions.
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Our qualified local fitters are happy to check your tyre pressure for free. Just give us a call to book in at your convenience. As stockists of leading brands, such as; Pirelli, Bridgestone, or Falken, we can offer expert advice as to the best tyres for your needs, or you can use our advanced tyre search function here on the site.
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