Tyre Safety: Checking Tyre Pressure

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure will help to extend the life of your tyres, improve safety, and ensure consitent fuel efficiency.

How To Check Your Tyre Pressure

To test your tyre pressure, you need an accurate pressure gauge (which you can buy, or find at most petrol stations). Take off the dust cap on the valve, affix the pressure gauge and take a note of the result. If your tyre needs extra air, you should inflate it using an air pump (again you can buy one to use at home or just go to a petrol station).

Why Check Your Tyre Pressure

There's some compelling reasons why maintaining the proper tyre pressure is important:

Tyre Lifespan

A tyre's life-span may be dramatically decreased even if a little under-inflated. Tyres that wear away faster on the outer edges can be a sign of under-inflation wearing out fast on the outer edges, this can be an early indication of possible under-inflation. If you find this is happening resolve the issue as soon as possible otherwise you will find they could become illegal.

Vehicle Safety

A tyre has a higher chance of blowing out when under-inflated. It happens because there is insufficient air to hold the vehicles weight, and when the weight presses down on the tyre, it causes the tyre to flex which builds up heat. Too much heat and the tyre pops.

Fuel Efficiency

You use more fuel when when your tyres are over or under-inflated. The yearly cost of running a car these days is pretty high, so make sure your tyres are correctly inflated so you aren't throwing away money needlessly.