How often have you delayed getting your tyre pressure checked, saying you’ll just get to it another day? Tyre pressure is one of the simplest aspects of your vehicle to keep track of; and also one of the most crucial. Keeping a check on your tyre pressure can drastically benefit the health of your tyres and maintain a level of safety for your vehicle. It’s simpler than you think. Here are 5 simple things to keep in mind about tyre pressure.
1. Ensure Regular Check Ups
While it doesn’t feel like much to skip the regular tyre checks, it may be a factor which could cause long term damage. Ideally you should get the tyre pressure checked every week. Ensuring the right tyre pressure for your vehicle can help avoid mishaps due to flat tyres, over or under inflated tires. Another important aspect is that under normal conditions tyres tend to lose 1 psi pressure per month. If you do not air it up in time, the tyres will keep decompressing which in turn affects the fuel economy that the vehicle gives under normal conditions. If you are leaving for a trip which involves long hours on the road with no service stations, ensure to have your tyre pressure checked just the day before to avoid any unexpected emergency situations.
2. Learn How To Assess The Situation Yourself
Tyres are usually a direct indication that something is wrong with the vehicle. You can feel the difference if something is wrong with the tyres. If the tyre is worn out only along the centre, it could indicate that the tyre was over inflated. Cracks and bulging from hitting potholes could indicate under inflation. If you notice any such conditions, assess the situation, check your tyre pressure and visit your tyre consultant if needed.
3. Check The Tyre Pressure When Cold
This does not mean you need to wait for cold weather. A heated up tyre can increase air pressure by approximately 10%. Wait for 20 to 25 minutes after the vehicle has been running to let the tyres cool down. The suggested pressures on a manual are usually determined for a cold tyre, and only in such a scenario you will get an accurate reading as compared to a heated up tyre.
4. Keep Track of Your Track
Tyres require different tyre pressures for different road conditions. Ensure you know the quality of road on the route you plan to take. For everyday purpose, a standard tyre pressure will be recommended to you by your tyre consultant. However if you plan to go off roading indicate the same to the consultant so he can adjust the tyre pressure accordingly.
5. Vary The Pressure As Per The Weight
The maximum pressure indicated is the pressure at which tyres can carry the maximum amount of weight. If you are carrying an unusually heavy load particularly over long distances, go ahead and add a few extra pounds of pressure to the rear wheels to offset and balance the weight. This works in your favour when you are carpooling, or carrying excess cargo etc. Once the weight has been off loaded, you can once again release some pressure to get back to the indicated measures.
Keep these simple tips in mind, and you need not worry about damage to your tyres due to incorrect tyre pressures again.
This article has been contributed by Azzam Sheikh, a tyre expert and consultant at Tyre-Shopper.