We already know what importance a tyre has for the vehicle, and therefore, it must be maintained at all times. There are a lot of aspects that need your attention when it comes to looking after the tyres. Some of these include looking after the punctures, alignment, balancing, wear and tear, etc. However, one of the most crucial aspects to consider in a tyre is air pressure.
It would help if you inflated the tyres with the guided air pressure to experience better performance of the vehicle. Therefore, this blog is all about how you can check the air in your tyres and why it is so important. Moreover, by the end of this blog, you will have all the essential information about inflating the tyres with adequate air pressure.
What are the steps to check the air in tyres?
Checking the air pressure in your tyres is not a big deal; however, there are a few steps that you must follow to ensure that appropriate measures are taken. Following the mentioned-below steps are crucial, and therefore, you should be fully aware of them.
- Step 1:Make sure you buy an air pressure gauge of good quality from a trusted garage that gives accurate results. On the other hand, look for the tyre’s recommended PSI pressure from the manufacturer guide. This will enable you to find out how much air pressure is needed in your vehicle’s tyres.
- Step 2:From one tyre, remove the valve cap, and you will hear a hissing sound coming from it. This is where you have to put the pressure gauge till the hissing sound stops. The gauge will give you the reading of the pressure. Make sure to note down this result and repeat the process for all the tyres.
- Step 3: In case the tyres are over-inflated, release the extra air by pressing the valve stem with a screwdriver.
- Step 4:If the tyres are under-inflated, refill the tyres using an air-compressor by inserting the compressor hose into the valve stem until you reach the desired air pressure limit.
Why is it important to check the air in the tyres?
Tyres are the part of the vehicle which bears the impact of different terrains in the changing weather. Therefore, it becomes essential to make sure that these are in the best shape. But, have you ever wondered why tyres come with a recommended air pressure measurement? Here’s why. Inflating the tyres with adequate air pressure is crucial for the entire vehicle. It not only ensures the balancing of the car but plays a role in ensuring safety as well. Properly inflated tyres divide the weight of the vehicle equally on the tread of the tyres. This results in the stability of your car.
However, if the tyres are over-inflated or under-inflated, the results can cause dangers to the vehicle at times of acceleration, braking and cornering. Furthermore, it will only increase the damage and the tyres will eventually wear off sooner. On the other hand, when your vehicle is inflated with appropriate air pressure, you get several benefits out of it; from road safety, easy handling and better grip on the roads to enhanced load capacity, traction and fuel efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial, and the vehicle owner’s responsibility is to ensure and check the appropriate air pressure of the tyres in your vehicle.
From where should you get the air in your tyres checked?
For most people, checking the tyres’ air pressure is not easy due to the lack of right equipment. This is when you can simply drive down to the nearest garage and let the expert check the tyres’ air pressure for you. In case there is a need for inflation or deflation, it will be done then and there itself by the professional. If there is a fuel station near your locality, you can also get the air pressure checked at the fuel station. Nowadays, garages and fuel stations, have air pressure checking booths which makes the process much more convenient for vehicle owners. You can also reach out to a tyre store for the same.
When should you check the air in the tyres?
As per the experts, it is always suggested to check your tyres’ air pressure when the tyres are not driven for at least 2 hours. When the tyres are on the run, they are hot, which results in higher pressure. However, when the tyres are not driven and are cold, the pressure is more precise to measure. If you have to drive down to a garage or fuel station for measuring the air pressure, ensure that the drive is short so that the tyres don’t heat much and the reading does not fluctuate.
On the other hand, if you feel shaking of the tyres or pressure while driving uphill, you might get the air pressure checked at such times as well. Moreover, make sure you check the air pressure of your tyres every two weeks. Alongside that, you can also inspect the condition of wear and tear of the tyre treads, cuts, sidewall bulges or any other damage that might be there. Doing so will enable you to fix the damages before it becomes troublesome for you and the vehicle.
What are the consequences of driving with wrong tyre pressure?
Driving with wrong air pressure is not only risky for the vehicle but the passengers as well. Therefore, it is always suggested to keep a check on the tyre pressure of your car. There are various consequences of driving the vehicle with over-inflated and under-inflated tyres that one can face.
Hence, listed below are some of these which you must know to avoid the possibility of it.
Consequences of driving on over-inflated tyres:
- Over-inflated tyres will wear off more quickly, especially from the centre of the tread.
- It will have less contact with the surface resulting in loss of traction.
- This will also cause an increase in the stopping distance of the vehicle.
- Over-inflated tyres will result in an uncomfortable and harsh driving experience as well.
Consequences of driving on under-inflated tyres:
- Under-inflated tyres will get hotter soon and will flex more.
- They are more prone to sudden blowouts and tyre failures.
- The tread edges from the tyres will wear off sooner, leading you to buy a new set of tyres.
- The rolling resistance will increase due to under-inflation of air pressure.
- The fuel consumption of the vehicle will increase as well.
Takeaway
Now that you are well aware of how to check the tyres’ air pressure, and why it is so important to do so, ensure that you do not forget to inspect the Stepney as well. Keep up with the information you have gathered through this blog and look after your vehicle’s tyres at regular intervals. In case you find something beyond your fixing or need an expert to rectify things for you, drive down to the nearest garage. Let the professionals inspect your car tyres with the latest equipment and make your vehicle good to go.