Why You Should Check Your Tyre Pressure
You should check your tyre pressure regularly. Some motorists might leave tyre pressure checks until their annual MOT, but this will make your vehicle unsafe, will reduce your fuel efficiency, could lead to emergency breakdowns, and will increase your costs in the short and long-term.
In this article, the experts at YourNewTyres will look into how to check your tyre pressure, and why doing so is of vital importance.
When should I check my tyre pressure?
It's a good idea to check your tyre pressure:
Before any long journeys, such as trips that will take longer than an hour or so, and
Once a month on a routine basis.
Ensure that your tyres are 'cold' before you check them - i.e. check your tyre pressure before the journey, rather than afterwards. If your tyres are 'warm', the tyre pressure reading will be less accurate.
Why it is important to check your tyre pressure regularly
Often, the first time drivers are alerted to the need for a puncture repair is when they check their tyre pressure and discover it is unusually low. If your vehicle has a slow puncture, the existing damage to the tyre can quickly worsen, leading to catastrophic failure.
Furthermore, your tyres need to be fully-inflated to cope with the weight of your vehicle. Underinflated tyres can cause problems with handling and braking, putting you and other road users at risk. You may also notice that your vehicle is not as comfortable to drive as it usually is.
The cost of running your car will also be increased if your tyres are underinflated. Properly-inflated tyres will get the right traction on the road, so your vehicle can perform as efficiently as possible.
How to check your tyre pressure
Check your manufacturer's handbook for the optimum tyre pressure
Please note that your front tyres may have a different optimum tyre pressure than your rear tyres!
If you don't have your manufacturer's handbook to hand, you may be able to find your optimum tyre pressure online. Google 'tyre pressure' followed by the make and model of your vehicle, or search for a website that can tell you your tyre pressure from your license plate.
Get a tyre pressure gauge
You may be able to find a tyre pressure gauge at a petrol station, or you may have a tyre inflator in your vehicle. In many instances, tyre inflators at garages come with gauges attached.
Unscrew the tyre dust cap and attach the gauge to the tyre valve
The tyre pressure gauge may immediately display the tyre pressure. Alternatively, you may need to gently press the gauge lever.
The reading will tell you if you need to inflate your tyres.
Use a tyre pressure pump to inflate your tyres to the required level
In many petrol stations, or with many tyre inflators, this is as simple as selecting the required tyre pressure on the console and then pressing the 'on' button.
Don't forget your spare tyre!
If you ever need any help with your tyres - if you have an emergency and you need 24-hour mobile tyre fitters, or if you want tyre fitting anywhere in the North West, we at YourNewTyres are here to help! Don't hesitate to get in touch with us on 07494112950.
