The importance of regularly checking your tyre pressure

The amount of air present in a tire is its tyre pressure. Tyres are made up of rubber and are filled with air, which provides it adequate support and cushioning of the vehicle. The air pressure or the tyre pressure is measured in Pounds per square inch(PSI) or kilo Pascal(kPas).

Adequate tyre pressure is essential for safe and efficient driving. If the tyres are under inflated, they can cause a number of problems such as accidents,  leaking of air, reduced fuel efficiency and increased wear and tear of the tyre. On the other hand, over inflated tyres can cause problems including a rougher ride, increased wear on the centre of the tread, and a greater risk of a blowout. In addition, maintaining the correct tire pressure can also help prevent car punctures and extend the lifespan of your tyres.

Why does the tyre pressure lessen over time?

The tyre pressure can be reduced overtime due to continuous driving, natural leakage,  temperature change and the type of road on which the vehicle has been running. Under-inflation can cause uneven wear and tear on the tyre, making it more likely to get punctured. It is important to check the tire pressure regularly and maintain the air pressure as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. 

Why is it important to check the tyre pressure?

It is important to check the tyre pressure regularly for a number of reasons: 

• Safety: Adequately inflated tyres improve controlling and driving, reducing the risk of accidents and blowouts.
• Fuel efficiency: Under inflated tyres can increase the rotating resistance, reducing fuel efficiency and increasing the  fuel consumption.
• Tyre wear: Uneven wear and tear, and reduced life span are a few of the outcomes of under inflated tyres.
• Comfort: Sufficiently inflated tyres can provide the driver with smoother rides reduced vibrations and making the driving experience more comfortable. 
• Cost-effective: Properly maintaining tyre pressure can help prolong the life of the tyres and save money on fuel.
• Environmental impact: Properly inflated tyres can also have a positive impact on the environment by reducing emissions from the vehicle.
• Legal compliance: Many countries have laws that require vehicles to have properly inflated tyres for safety reasons, and checking your tire pressure regularly can help you comply with these laws.

How to check the tyre pressure? 

Checking tyre pressure is a relatively simple process that can be done in a few easy steps:

1. Locate the recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle: Vehicles user manual  have the specifications on the ideal tyre pressure.
2. Acquire a tyre pressure gauge:  a tire pressure gauge can be used to measure the tire pressure.  you can easily purchase it at a gas station or at an auto repair store.
3. Remove the valve stem cap:  Next step is to remove the valve stem cap, which is a small plastic air of the tyre.
4. Press the tyre pressure gauge onto the valve stem: Press the gauge firmly onto the valve stem and hold it there to get an accurate reading.
5. Read the gauge: The gauge will give you a reading in PSI (pounds per square inch) or kPa (kilopascal). Check whether the reading is equal to the recommended tire pressure for the vehicle.
6. Add air to the tyre if needed: If the tyre pressure is low, add air to the tyre using a tyre inflator or air compressor.  make sure to check the pressure again after adding more air to ensure that it is at the recommended level of pressure.  
7. Repeat the process for all four tyres:  Make sure check all the four tyres including the spare tire if you have one. 

It is also important to note that tire pressure can be affected by temperature, so it is important to check the pressure when the tyres are cold (have not been driven on for at least a few hours) as the pressure can increase while the tyres are in use.

How frequently should we check the tyre pressure?

We should check the tyre pressure at least once a month and before every long trip. It is common that tyre lose air pressure over time, and it can affect the driving experience in the long run; therefore, it is important to keep checking the pressure regularly and ensure that the tyre are properly inflated.

The tire pressure can be reduced overtime due to continuous driving, natural leakage,  temperature change and the type of road on which the vehicle has been running.

Additionally, it is important to check the tyre pressure when the tyres are “cold” (they have not been driven on for at least a few hours), as the pressure can increase while the tyres are in use.

It is also important to keep in mind that if you experience a significant change in tire pressure, you should have the tyres inspected by a professional to determine the cause of the change and to ensure that your tyres are safe to drive on.

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Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. Why is it important to regularly check my tyre pressure?

Ans: Regularly checking tire pressure ensures proper inflation, improves fuel efficiency, extends tyre life, and improves handling and safety.

Q2. How often should I check my tyre pressure?

Ans: Tyre pressure should be checked at least once a month, also before long trips, check the pressure when the tyres are cold.

Q3. How can I tell if my tyres are under-inflated?

Ans: Under-inflated tyres can appear low or flat, have reduced tread life, and will cause the vehicle to handle poorly.

Q4. How can I tell if my tyres are over-iinflated?

Ans: Overinflated, center-inflated tyres can appear to bulge, have increased wear in the center tread, trnd will have a harder ride.

Q5. How can I find the recommended tyre pressure for my vehicle?

Ans: The recommended tyre pressure can be found in the vehicle’s owner’s manual, on a placard located on the driver’s side door jamb, or on the tyre itself.