As they are one of the most critical components of a car, it is important to always check car tyre pressure.

Why? Because they operate as connectors between the vehicle and the road surface.

When filled to the correct pressure, they do their job successfully when braking, especially when braking quickly due to unforeseen circumstances.

In some instances, worn tyres can increase a car’s braking distance by up to 50% depending on the vehicle, tyre and operating conditions.

However, if we estimate that the average braking distance of a car travelling at 120 km/h is 150 metres (including reaction time and considering that it is driving on dry tarmac in good conditions), then this distance will eventually increase to 225 meters when the tyres are worn out.

Whether you want to find out how to adjust your tyre pressure or your tyre pressure light has come on, find out everything you need to know, including much air you should have in your tyres.

 

 

What is tyre pressure?

Tyre pressure is the amount of air in a tire, ensuring it can support the weight of the car body. Correct tyre pressure also ensures that tyres achieve optimal grip on the road surface.

 

Which units are used for tyre pressure?

The units used to measure tire pressure are usually bars. However, it can also be measured in PSI.

In addition to providing increased road safety, tyres filled to the correct pressure are more economical and sustainable.

 

What leads to tyre wear?

Daily driving results in tyres losing air as a result of some driving behaviours. That is why it is essential to correct these behaviours in order to extend the life of this very important car component.

Generally speaking, these are the causes of a loss of tyre air:

 

Driving at high speed

As speeding leads to tyres overheating, they eventually lose all pressure.

 

Aggressive driving

Jerky starts and stops result in high tyre wear.

 

Inadequate tyre pressure

Tires with pressure 40% lower than recommended wear out 60% faster.

According to several studies, having a lower tyre air pressure than recommended can cause several problems.

For example, a tyre pressure of 0.5 BAR less than recommended decreases tyre lifespan by as much as 20%.

Tyre pressure of 1.0 BAR lower than recommended leads to a 6% increase in fuel consumption.

In addition, it increases braking distance by at least 5 metres.

These are just some of the many consequences of having incorrect tyre pressure.

The figure below shows how over or underfilled tyres affect tyre grip on the road surface.

 

 

What are the consequences of incorrect tyre pressure?

Here are the other consequences of incorrect tyre pressure:

 

Tyres overheating

When tyres get too hot, their constituents deteriorate, increasing the risk of permanent damage.

 

Lower grip

At low pressure, tyres deform, preventing them from coming into full contact with the road. Some control of the vehicle is lost as a result.

 

Quick wear

Low pressure reduces the life of tyres because the less air they have, the faster they wear out.

 

Increased fuel consumption and CO2 emissions

A tyre with low pressure will require the car engine to work harder. This increased effort leads to the exhaust releasing more polluting gases into the atmosphere.

 

Susceptibility to punctures

Low tyre pressure allows nails and other debris to penetrate the tyre more easily, resulting in punctures.

 

Increased braking distance

A tyre should act when required, that is, in emergencies. Braking distance increasing due to low tyre pressure puts each of the vehicle’s occupants at risk.

 

Increased risk of aquaplaning

Aquaplaning causes a car to lose traction and slide on water, and, as a result, drivers lose control of their vehicle.

 

Increased load on each tyre

Areas of a car’s tyres are subject to a greater load due to the deformation undergone due to low pressure, which can lead to tyres collapsing.

 

What are the consequences of having a tyre pressure that is too high?

Too much air in tyres can cause other problems, such as losing grip or control of the car.

 

Reduced grip

Less rubber in contact with the road surface leads to tyres having worse grip. Driving is therefore affected, as well as the efficiency and performance of tyres.

 

Loss of control

Control of a vehicle is affected by tyres having less grip, i.e. a vehicle becomes less responsive, especially when going around corners and braking.

 

Discomfort

Full tyres cause discomfort when driving and the quicker wear of a car’s suspension.

 

Reduction of tyre service life

A tyre filled with too much air will become very worn on the inside. As such, it will reach the end of its lifespan sooner than the rest of the tyre.

 

When should tyre pressure be checked?

Tyre pressure should be checked every two weeks, regardless of vehicle use.

Why? Because tyres are consistently losing pressure as a result of natural causes (on average about 0.076 bar per month).

Though tyre pressure is naturally lost over time, it can also reduce as a result of other causes, such as air leaks caused by punctures, valves in poor condition or rim problems.

It is therefore essential to be aware of these signs.

 

How do you know what the ideal tyre pressure is?

As these car components are so important, it’s only normal that you should have questions about how to know what the correct tyre pressure is. As such, you should check the following sources, which should tell you the optimum pressure:

• Vehicle instruction manual;
• Driver’s door, on a metal plate;
• Inside the fuel cap;
• Engine compartment.

 

What is the ideal tyre pressure?

The correct tyre pressure varies from car to car and will depend on its weight, model, performance and speed. However, tyre pressure is estimated to vary between 2.2 and 2.5 BAR.

As a general rule, there are two correct pressures: one for normal conditions and the other for when a vehicle is fully loaded with passengers and luggage.

Once you realise the importance of keeping the correct amount of air in your tyres, it’s normal to want to determine your tyre pressure.

 

How can you check the air pressure of your car tyres?

You can check tyre pressure in the following ways:

• At petrol stations, which are generally equipped with systems used to monitor and fill tyres;
• At service stations, where you should place the compressor nozzle on the valve. Check the tyre pressure and whether or not it is at the level recommended. If you need to, press the button until your tyre is filled to the correct pressure;
• At home, using an apparatus for measuring tyre pressure (portable compressor).

Note: To correctly check your tyre pressure, do so when your tyres are cold.

Vehicle owners are able to prevent premature tyre wear by ensuring their best use. To take care of their tyres is to take care of their own safety.

Correct tyre pressure impacts driving, making it both safe and comfortable.

In addition, it ensures good grip on the road surface, reduces fuel consumption, and prolongs tyre durability.

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