Tyre pressure-

Tyre pressure is not determined by the size or the type of the tyre but by the vehicles load and the speed that is the driving application.

The vehicles load-

This is also known as towing. The loads exert an extra pressure on the tyres. In a fully loaded vehicle with luggage and passengers, the general rule is add 28kpa or 4lbs of loads.

High speed-

The high speed is defined as driving at a speed of 120km/ h for every hour. Double tyre wear is experienced when one drives at 70- 80 km/ h. Under-inflation of tyres reduces the lifespan of the tyres by 30%. The tyres should not be inflated above 40psi or 280 kPa because when the tyres get hot the pressure increases too.

How do you find out the tyre pressure for your car?

To establish the suitable tyre pressure for your car consult the manufacturers tyre placard. The placard is found in the glove box, drivers door sill, under the bonnet or in the glove box.

The placard also displays the manufacturers recommended sizes of tyres.

When should the tyre pressure be checked?

The tyre pressure increases as the tyre becomes hot implying that the pressure of the tyre should be checked when cold. Obtain the cold readings and compare them with the recommended tyre pressure on the placard.

Tyre pressure and environmental impacts-

Regularly checking your tyre pressure can help us to be more environmentally friendly. Under- inflated tyres generate more rolling resistance which is translated to higher fuel consumption. Proper tyre inflation would help to maximize the vehicles fuel economy hence minimizing on its effects on the environment.

Tyre care-

Regular check on air pressure. It is recommended that the checks be on a weekly basis, at the time when the tyres are cold and use a gauge for accuracy.

Getting the correct tyre for your car. Obtain the information from the manufacturers placard indicating the speed rating, load capacity, inflation pressure recommended and the correct tyre size.

Avoid mixing up of different tyre brands all on one axle. These brands vary in construction styles and might be of varying sizes and aspect ratios.

Avoid acceleration and hard braking. This causes faster wear.

Park carefully to avoid damages on the tyres. This reduces damage sidewalls of the tyre.

Ensure the tyres treading is more than 1.6mm for safe driving in wet and muddy conditions without skidding.

Let a qualified technician fit the tyres correctly on the wheel.
Avoid using sealants during tyre repair as they cancel the tyre warranties

Learn how to check your tyres and safely chage your wheels with Driving Lessons Glasgow.