In today’s post, we are going to explain why it is important to always stick to the tyre pressure recommended by the manufacturer.
You might have heard that a correct tyre pressure can improve a car’s fuel efficiency. But why is that?
Incorrect inflation pressure often causes a domino effect, which eventually leads to a significant increase in fuel consumption.
If you have any questions about tyre pressure you can always ask an expert at your local Tayaria workshop.
1. Incorrect Tyre Pressure Causes Uneven Wear of the Tread
When tyres are underinflated the friction and wear increase, since a higher percentage of the tread is in contact with the road.
Usually, the outer edges of the tyre wear faster than the centre, which leads to a higher rolling resistance.
2. Uneven Tyre Wear Leads to a Higher Rolling Resistance
An increased rolling resistance makes the engine work harder, basically because the higher the rolling resistance is, more energy is needed to move the vehicle, and that leads us to the final effect: an increase in fuel consumption.
3. A Higher Rolling Resistance Increases Fuel Consumption
It is estimated that a 30% increase in rolling resistance is responsible for an average of 5% of a vehicle’s fuel overconsumption.
In fact, underinflated tyres can increase fuel consumption from anywhere between 3% and 10%.
Also, according to recent data from the US Department of Energy, underinflated tyres cause 1.35 million litres of gasoline to be wasted daily.
On the other hand, the European Union reports that under-inflation of tyres today is responsible for more than 20 million litres of fuel wasted, which translates into more than 2 million tonnes of CO2 being released into the atmosphere.
Additional Problems Associated With Incorrect Inflation Pressure
Excessive Fuel
Consumption is not the only consequence of incorrect tyre inflation pressure.
The safety of the driver and other occupants of the vehicle can also be compromised if the inflation pressure of the tyres is lower or even higher than the one recommended by the manufacturer.
Here are some additional consequences of incorrect tyre pressure.
Poor Braking Performance
A low tyre pressure can also impact your vehicle’s handling, increasing the risk of blowouts.
However, overinflated tyres can also cause uneven wear, and compromise handling, since a lower surface of the tread is in contact with the road.
That’s why it is vital to always keep your tyres inflated at the recommended level.
The Impact on Our Environment
As we mentioned before, an uneven wear of the tyre can cause an increase in fuel consumption, leading to millions of litres of fuel being burned unnecessarily.
If we add the waste of tyres associated with an incorrect maintenance, the impact on the environment is even higher.
According to experts in the industry, tyres that wear evenly last longer before needing repair or replacement.
And this is why it is so important to always check the tyre pressure and follow the manufacturer recommendations.
If you have any further doubts or questions about tyre pressure, then you can always use our dealer locator tool to get in contact with a Tayaria outlet who can advise you on the correct course of action.
For further information on tyres and tyre maintenance, visit Tayaria.com
