When Should Tyre Pressure Be Checked?

Did you know that the little chore of checking your tyre pressure can improve your car's fuel efficiency by up to 3%?

The question that naturally pops up then is, "When should tyre pressure be checked?" This article aims to shed some light on this crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance. We'll look at the conditions that can affect tyre pressure and what you can do to prevent significant changes.

Let's get right into it!

The Significance of Tyre Pressure

Tyre pressure, in essence, is the amount of air in your vehicle's tyres, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). This unassuming aspect plays a pivotal role in not just ensuring a smooth ride but also keeping your vehicle healthy.

Tyre Pressure and Control

Tyre pressure is intrinsically linked to how your vehicle interacts with the road. The right tyre pressure allows your vehicle to grip the road adequately, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride.

Conversely, incorrect tyre pressure can lead to poor vehicle handling, making your ride feel either too harsh or too sluggish.

Fuel Efficiency: The Hidden Connection

A little-known fact about tyre pressure is its impact on your vehicle's fuel efficiency, and yes that does include electric car tyres too. Simply put, the right tyre pressure can help your vehicle roll on the road more smoothly, lowering rolling resistance, leading to lower fuel consumption.

Imagine what a 3% saving on fuel or electric costs can add up to over the months.

Extending Tyre Life

Just like how you'd care for your favourite pair of shoes to make them last, regular tyre pressure checks can help extend the life of your tyres. Tyres with correct pressure wear out more evenly, thereby offering a longer lifespan.

Plus, they make for a smoother ride.

What Influences Tyre Pressure?

Tyre pressure isn't a static value. It can fluctuate due to various factors, often outside of our control. Understanding these can help us stay on top of our tyre maintenance.

Let's delve into some of the less-discussed factors that can influence your tyre pressure.

Altitude Changes

Believe it or not, the altitude at which you're driving can affect your tyre pressure. When you drive at high altitudes, the atmospheric pressure decreases. This change can cause the air inside your tyres to expand, leading to higher tyre pressure readings.

Conversely, when you return to lower altitudes, the atmospheric pressure increases, causing the air in your tyres to compress and the tyre pressure to decrease.

Road Conditions

The condition of the roads you frequently drive on can also influence your tyre pressure. If your daily commute involves lots of potholes or rough, uneven surfaces, your tyres might be under more strain.

This extra strain can lead to slow air leaks, causing a gradual decrease in tyre pressure.

Tyre Damage

Even minor damage to your tyres, such as a small puncture or a cracked sidewall, can lead to changes in your tyre pressure. These damages can cause slow leaks, which might be hard to notice immediately but can lead to significant tyre pressure loss over time.

Tyre Wear

As tyres wear down over time, their internal structure can start to degrade. This degradation can sometimes lead to increased permeability, meaning the tyres may start to slowly leak air, leading to a decrease in tyre pressure.

Load Weight

The weight your vehicle carries can also affect tyre pressure. If your vehicle is often heavily loaded, the extra weight can increase the pressure inside your tyres. On the flip side, if your vehicle typically carries light loads, your tyre pressure could be lower.

When Should Tyre Pressure Be Checked?

Coming back to our core question: when should tyre pressure be checked? The golden rule is to check tyre pressure at least once a month. However, if you frequently go on long trips or carry heavy loads, you may want to do it more often.

Check When Cold

Tyre pressure is most accurately measured when the tyres are cold. This is because heat generated from driving can cause the air inside the tyres to expand, leading to higher pressure readings.

The best time to check tyre pressure is in the morning before you've driven your vehicle.

Know the Right Pressure

Your vehicle's manufacturer recommends the optimal tyre pressure for your specific model. This information is typically found in the vehicle owner's manual or on a sticker located on the driver's side door jam.

Use a Tyre Gauge

A tyre gauge is your ally in this process. It's a simple tool that measures the air pressure in your tyres. To get an accurate reading, make sure to press the gauge firmly onto the tyre valve until the hissing sound of escaping air stops.

The Importance of Regular Checks

Regular tyre pressure checks are a form of preventive maintenance for your vehicle. They help you identify potential issues before they turn into significant problems.

Avoiding a Flat Tyre

We've all been there – a flat tyre at the most inopportune moment. Regular tyre pressure checks can help you avoid this inconvenience. An underinflated tyre can lead to increased friction with the road, causing the tyre to wear out faster and potentially lead to a puncture.

Maintaining Fuel Efficiency

As we mentioned earlier, maintaining the correct tyre pressure helps improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Regular checks ensure you're always getting the most out of your vehicle.

Ensuring a Smooth Ride

Regularly checking your tyre pressure also contributes to the overall comfort of your drive. The right tyre pressure ensures your vehicle handles well and offers a smooth, comfortable ride.

The Importance of Regular and Correct Tyre Pressure Checks

So, to circle back to our initial question (pun intended), "When should tyre pressure be checked?" the answer is: regularly and correctly. Incorporating this simple task into your routine vehicle maintenance can contribute to a smoother ride, enhanced fuel efficiency, and a longer lifespan for your tyres.

Should you find yourself facing persistently low tyre pressure or a dreaded flat tyre, know that you aren't alone. Get in touch with us at Tyre Runner - we'd love to assist you and get you back on the road.