The Importance of Regularly Checking Your Tyre Pressure
As a car owner, maintaining the health and performance of your vehicle is essential. One aspect that is often overlooked is checking tyre pressure regularly. Ensuring that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure can improve fuel efficiency and extend the life of your tyres. In this article, we will explore why it’s important to check your tyre pressure regularly, how to do it, and the difference it makes to your tyres and motoring performance. The Automobile Association have a good article about this on the AA website.
Why is it important to check your tyre pressure regularly?
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is crucial for your safety and the performance of your vehicle. Tyres that are underinflated or overinflated can lead to several problems, including:
- Poor fuel efficiency: When your tyres are underinflated, they create more rolling resistance, which can result in decreased fuel efficiency.
- Uneven tyre wear: Overinflated tyres can cause the centre of the tread to wear out faster, while underinflated tyres can cause the edges of the tyre to wear out quicker.
- Reduced grip and handling: Incorrectly inflated tyres can reduce the grip and handling of your car, which can be dangerous, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
How to check your tyre pressure?
Checking your tyre pressure is a straightforward process. You can do it yourself using a tyre pressure gauge or by visiting a petrol station or garage. Here are the steps:
- Find the recommended tyre pressure for your car: You can usually find this information in the owner’s manual or on a sticker located on the driver’s side door jamb.
- Remove the valve cap from the tyre: You’ll find this on the outer side of the tyre.
- Attach the tyre pressure gauge to the valve stem: Press the gauge firmly onto the valve stem to get an accurate reading.
- Read the pressure gauge: If the reading is lower than the recommended tyre pressure, add air to the tyre. If it’s higher, release some air until you reach the correct pressure.
- Repeat the process for all four tyres: Don’t forget to check the spare tyre too.
The difference it makes to your tyres and motoring performance
By regularly checking your tyre pressure, you can enjoy several benefits, including:
- Improved fuel efficiency: Properly inflated tyres can improve your car’s fuel efficiency by up to 3%.
- Longer tyre life: Tyres that are correctly inflated can last longer than those that are underinflated or overinflated.
- Safer driving: Correctly inflated tyres provide better grip and handling, which can improve your safety on the road.
In conclusion, checking your tyre pressure regularly is a simple yet crucial step in maintaining the performance and safety of your vehicle. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your tyres are always properly inflated, which can help you save money on fuel, extend the life of your tyres, and drive safely. If you are unsure then visit one of our branches today.
