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How often do you check the pressure of your tyres? Checking your tyre pressure might be one of the simplest but most important maintenance tasks for your car, but it’s also something that can often be overlooked by drivers.
Tyres play an important role in car safety, performance and fuel efficiency so it’s important for drivers to know the correct tyre pressure for their car, and how to adjust it.
So, when should you check your tyre pressure and how do you check it? Below, we’ll walk you through why it matters, how to find the right pressure for your car and give a simple step-by-step process for how to check and adjust the air in your tyres.
What is Tyre Pressure?
Tyre pressure is the air in your car’s tyres and is commonly measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), bars or kilopascals (kPa). Tyre pressure plays a part in safety, performance and fuel efficiency. So, it’s important that they are correctly set.
The most important thing to know is the conversion rate: one Bar of pressure is equal to roughly 14.5 PSI. There is a big difference between the two pressures so it’s important that you’re reading the correct scale.
For example, if your car’s recommended pressure is 32 PSI and you mistakenly inflate it to 32 Bar, you would be putting in almost 465 PSI. This is an extremely dangerous level of pressure that would likely cause the tyre to rupture or explode.
How Tyre Pressure Impacts Safety
Tyres are the only part of your car that makes contact with the road and their condition can play a massive role in your safety while driving.
When tyres are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, the contact patch of your tyres, or the maximum amount of tread, gets pressed firmly against the surface of the road. This gives your tyres the best possible grip which affects handling and braking.
If the tyre pressure is too high or too low, it may have a negative effect on a tyre’s grip This can result in longer stopping distances, poor handling and, in extreme situations, could lead to blowouts or tyre failure. Tyres that are over-inflated are also more prone to damage caused by driving over potholes, bad road surfaces or rubbish or debris in the road.
Your car’s performance can be heavily impacted by your tyres. And not just in terms of speed, tyre pressure also plays a role in how your car drives, handles and responds. If your tyres are set to the correct pressure, you can expect a responsive car that handles well, and smooth, comfortable journeys for you and your passengers.
Improperly inflated tyres wear down unevenly (under-inflated tyres on the outer edges; over-inflated tyres in the centre) and often result in bumpy journeys and replacement far sooner than would otherwise be necessary.
Drivers might be surprised to learn that tyre pressure can impact the fuel efficiency of your car. In fact, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) lists correct tyre pressure as one of the key ways to improve fuel efficiency. An under-inflated tyre has a higher rolling resistance, which means there’s more friction with the road. This extra friction forces your car’s engine to work harder to travel at the same speed, burning more fuel in the process.
One of the most common questions motorists ask is, “When should I check my tyre pressure?” You should try and check your tyres at least once per month, and before you take any long trips in the car. Tyres can lose pressure naturally over time so it’s important that you check on a regular basis.
Changes in temperature can alter the pressure of your tyres. Generally, tyre pressure will change by around 1 PSI for every 10 degree change in temperature. As temperatures change throughout the year, i.e. from summer to winter, you should check your tyre pressure.
Always check your tyres before going on long journeys as tyres can heat up and lose pressure after driving for a long time. Travelling with luggage or extra passengers can also add more weight and put more stress on your tyres. Check your tyres pressure to make sure they’re ready to take the additional weight.
If you have had a tyre repaired or replaced, check the tyre pressure.
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions for your specific make and model. Usually, you’ll find these in your car’s handbook, as a diagram inside the door jamb of your car, or sometimes as a diagram inside your car’s petrol cap.
To adjust the air in your tyres, you can use an air compressor, if you have one. Or you can top up air at most garages and service stations. Air compressors at garages and service stations often require a small fee to use, usually €1 or €2.
Remove the plastic cap and attach the air hose to the valve on the tyre. Check the tyre pressure reading and then either increase or decrease the amount of air in the tyre so it’s set to the correct pressure. When finished, replace the valve cap and repeat for all four tyres.
Usually, there will be different pressures listed for different scenarios, such as if you’re driving by yourself, with a single or multiple passengers, or if you’re travelling with a full boot or luggage. The different scenarios affect the weight of your car, which affects how much air you will need.
This blog is brought to you by EP Mooney & KennCo Insurance
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For more information please visit: https://www.kennco.ie
KennCo Underwriting Ltd T/A KennCo Insurance is regulated by The Central Bank of Ireland.