How Often Should Tyre Pressure Be Checked?
One of the easiest things a driver can check, but one of the most often neglected, is tyre pressure. Many drivers think that if the tyre appears to have air in it, the pressure is just right. It can be very easy to have a tyre that looks normal but is shockingly under-inflated. This blog examines pressure variations over time, how much and how frequently pressure should be recorded, and what to do if it is not controlled.
Pressure Drops Over Time
Although safe tyres will not leak unless there is a puncture or damage, they still regularly lose air. In a standard car tyre, air slowly leaks out by permeating through the tyre rubber; the loss is usually from one to two psi (pounds per square inch) per month or even more often. This could occur faster when temperatures are extremely high or low.
Correctly inflated tyres will be vulnerable to readings that are significantly lower the following day when it really cools down overnight. If tyre temperatures drop by 10°C (17°F), there will be approximately a 1-2 PSI reduction in pressure. Perhaps this is not a bug; it's just 'how the chicken hocks work' when it's cold. It is more common and more severe amongst drivers in cooler parts of the UK than in more temperate parts.
Finding the Correct Pressure
The first step to checking tyre pressure is to have the correct target number for the vehicle. This is not a standard number; it depends on the make and model of the car, as well as the load being transported, in some instances. The rating specified by the manufacturer is usually found on an adhesive label that is attached to the driver's door frame on most vehicles. This could also be located in the owner's handbook. The maximum pressure on the sidewall of a tyre is not enough for the driver to trust it will stay alive.
How Often Should You Check Tyre Pressure?
If it is the first time you are doing it yourself, a good starting point to see how often to check the tyre pressure is every week/two weeks. This rate aids in getting a better picture of the amount of tyre pressure loss per mile a specific tread pattern and set of tyres exhibits in normal driving. If there is a pattern, then the checking interval may be changed as it is observed.
Most drivers will find it a good rule of thumb to check their tyre pressures at least once a month and always before embarking on a long motorway trip, when they are carrying heavy loads, or whenever conditions suddenly change. Always measure before driving to get as accurate a reading as possible, as the heat that can be created during a journey can make the pressure in the tyre higher than the correct reading, which is recorded when the tyre is cold — preferably before driving. Drivers looking for quality tyres Edinburgh can benefit from knowing the correct pressure requirements for their vehicle before visiting a fitting centre, as this makes the service process faster and more accurate.
Risks of Wrong Inflation
The more usual problem is underinflation. Excessively low tyre pressures cause an excessive amount of tyre surface to be in contact with the road rather than the section the tyre was designed for. This raises rolling resistance, which ultimately increases fuel consumption. The wear rate at the outside edges of the treads is greater than that of the middle, reducing the tyre's life. When used on motorways in severe cases, it can cause large heat build-up in the tyre, which may cause the tread to separate or the tyre to blow out. The ride quality will also take a hit since the tyres will not be able to absorb the road imperfections as much.
When Should Drivers Get Professional Help
When tyres lose air over a short time, it is most probably a slow puncture. This could be caused by a tiny bit of nail or dirt stuck in the tread, a worn valve, or a minor leak at the bead where the tyre meets the rim. If the tyre is losing more than a few PSI per week, it's time for a professional check-up, not another regular topping up.
When you're driving and realise you might have a flat tyre or another pressure issue, you may not be able to reach a garage. In those situations, a mobile tyre fitting Edinburgh service can be a practical solution, sending a trained technician to the driver's location to carry out fitting, balancing, and pressure checks without requiring the vehicle to be moved. It can prove incredibly helpful for people travelling to work in the morning with a flat tyre.
Conclusion
One of the simplest and easiest maintenance methods in making a vehicle safer and more efficient is to ensure that tyres are inflated to the proper pressure. Tyres will deflate over time and with the season, so a tyre inflated correctly and perfectly last month may not be inflated correctly today. The following practices make a real difference in pressure-checking tyres: check pressure monthly; use the pressure information provided on the door rather than the sidewall; and always measure pressure when cold. Drivers who incorporate these checks into their driving practice will be less likely to encounter repairs when in traffic.
