Maintaining correct tyre pressure is vital in optimising the performance of your vehicle as well as driver safety. Incorrectly inflated tyres can negatively affect vehicle steering, handling and grip, and they increase braking distances, especially in the wet. Driving with incorrect tyre pressures can also damage your tyres, shorten their life and increase your fuel consumption.

Optimum Tyre Pressures Keep you Safe and Save Money

With that in mind, here are a few key tips to make sure your tyres stay properly inflated, thereby saving you money and keeping you safe. Remember that you can have expert advice on tyres and tyre pressures by visiting a local Tayaria workshop.

1)      Tyres will lose air pressure over time regardless of how old they are, so it is important that you check your tyre pressures regularly. It is generally recommended that tyre pressures are checked once a month.

2)      It is best to check your tyre pressures when your tyres are cold. This is because when you drive, the tyres heat up, which causes their pressure to rise. If tyre pressures are checked hot, it’s advisable to add 4 to 5 psi (0.3 bar) to the recommended pressures.

3)      You will find the recommended pressures for your vehicle in your car handbook, but be aware that the manufacturer will often give you two recommended pressures, one for normal use, and one for when the car is fully laden with passengers and luggage. If you are driving fully laden, don’t forget to adjust your pressures accordingly, especially if you’re getting ready for a long journey.

4)      Under inflated tyres cause all sorts of problems for your tyres, so it’s important that any underinflation is corrected. Under-inflated tyres can overheat, increasing the risk of them bursting, they also wear quicker, are more susceptible to tyre damage, negatively affect your steering, and increase your fuel consumption. It’s perfectly normally for tyres to vary slightly in terms of air pressure, but if you notice a significant difference in pressure between one tyre and the rest, there could be a fault, so have it checked out by a professional. They will check for damage to the exterior and interior of the tyre, as well as to the wheel and valve.

5)      Over-inflation also causes problems. They will increase the bumpiness of your ride, but more significantly, they will reduce the surface area of the tyre which is in contact with the road, thereby reducing grip as well as causing uneven tread wear, reducing the life of the tyres. Therefore, when correcting tyre pressures, take care not to overinflate.

6)      Finally, if in doubt about any aspect of tyre inflation, please feel free to ask for advice from one of the highly trained professionals at one of our Tayaria service outlets.

Remember, properly inflated tyres mean safer and more cost-efficient driving, so if it’s a while since you’ve checked the condition of your tyres then drop round your local Tayaria outlet and get them checked out by one of expert tyre technicians.