Maintaining tyre pressure is one of the most important aspects of regular car maintenance. Correct tyre pressure ensures the safety of the driver and passengers, prolongs tyre life and improves fuel efficiency. In this article, we'll share some tips and tricks for maintaining your car's tyre pressure correctly.
How to check tyre pressure
There are several ways to check tyre pressure. The most common methods are using a tyre pressure gauge, a digital tyre pressure gauge or a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Using a tyre pressure gauge
A tyre pressure gauge is one of the most commonly used tools for checking tyre pressure. It can be purchased at most auto shops and is easy to use. Here are the steps for checking tyre pressure with a tyre pressure gauge:
Remove the valve cap from each tyre.
Place the gauge on the valve and press firmly to seal.
Read the tyre pressure on the gauge display.
If the tyre pressure is lower than recommended, add air until it reaches the optimum level.
Using a digital tyre pressure gauge
The digital tyre pressure gauge works in the same way as the tyre pressure gauge. However, it is easier to read because the tyre pressure is displayed on a digital screen. Here are the steps for checking tyre pressure with a digital tyre pressure gauge:
- Remove the valve cap from each tyre.
- Place the gauge on the valve and press firmly to seal.
- Read the tyre pressure on the digital display.
- If the tyre pressure is lower than recommended, add air until it reaches the optimum level.
Using a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
TPMS is a tire pressure monitoring system installed in most modern cars. It uses tire pressure sensors mounted in each tire to monitor tire pressure. When tire pressure is too low, an alert appears on the car's dashboard. Here's how to check tire pressure with TPMS:
Switch on your car's engine.
Check that the tire pressure sensors are active (consult your owner's manual for specific instructions).
Check tire pressure using the indications displayed on the car's dashboard.
Tips for maintaining correct tire pressure
As well as checking tire pressure regularly, there are other tips for maintaining proper tire pressure. The following tips will help you maximize the life of your tires and optimize your car's fuel consumption:
Keep a tire pressure log
Keeping a tire pressure log lets you know when you need to check tire pressure and whether you need to add air to the tires. This can help you detect potential problems with your tires, such as slow leaks or worn tires.
Inflate tires in moderate temperatures
It's best to inflate tires in moderate temperatures, as extreme temperatures can distort tire pressure measurement. Avoid inflating tires immediately after driving, or after parking in direct sunlight.
Checking tire pressure before long journeys
Before setting off on a long journey, be sure to check your car's tire pressure. Long journeys can cause tires to overheat, which can increase tire pressure. So it's important to make sure your tire pressure is correct before you set off.
Consequences of driving with inadequate tire pressure
Driving with inadequate tire pressure can have negative consequences for your car and your safety. With insufficient tire pressure, a tire's tread wears out more quickly and can cause tire failure. This can lead to loss of control and an accident. In addition, incorrect tire pressure leads to higher fuel consumption and higher maintenance costs.
Tire pressure maintenance program
It's important to follow a tire pressure maintenance program to ensure the safety of all passengers and to extend the life of your tires. Here's the recommended tire pressure maintenance schedule:
- Check tire pressure every month.
- Inflate tires to the pressure recommended by the car manufacturer.
- Check tire pressure before long trips.
- Replace worn tires.