The Importance of Tire Inflation

Cars are an indispensable part of my life. I love the freedom they give me to go anywhere, anytime I want to! Just fill in some fuel and off I go! However, on my last trip I found that my drive was not as smooth as I would have liked it and the fuel economy was also down from what it was earlier. Worried that something major was wrong with my car, I took it to the authorised tyre dealers where they said that the problem was fairly simple: the tire pressure was off.  Intrigued that such a small issue can cause such a difference in ride experience I asked the in-charge a few questions about tire pressure that he was more than happy to answer.

What is tire pressure?

Tyre pressure is the pressure of the air inside  tire. It is measured by calculating the amount of air that has been pumped into the inner lining of the tire in pounds per square inch (PSI) or BAR pressure. 

Why is it important?

Proper tire inflation distributes the weight of the car evenly across the tread pattern to enhance the stability of the vehicle. Besides that here are a few more reasons why tire pressure is important:

• Fuel economy: Lower tire pressure requires higher fuel consumption to make them move. Much like driving a bicycle with under-inflated tires requires more effort. 

• Handling: An over or under inflated tire is negatively affects handling, cornering and stopping which is in turn a safety hazard. 

• Uneven wearing: Improperly inflated tires wear unevenly, over inflated tires show wear in the middle of the tread while under inflated tires show wear on the outer edges. 

• Expense: Uneven wear and increased fuel consumption can result in higher expenses both on fuel and on new tires.

When to check tire pressure?

One should check tire pressure every 30 days or with every significant change in temperature. Lower temperatures reduces tire pressure so care must be taken during colder months. Also, a hotter tire will have a higher pressure so check your tire pressure when the tires are relatively cold. 

What is ideal pressure?

The best passenger car tires come with the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Check the pressure recommendations on your vehicle and fill your care tires only to the recommended pressure.

What are the exceptions to the rule?

Exceptions prove the rule, even in case of tires. Some exceptions when you should over or under inflate your tire are:

• Off-roading: When travelling over rough terrain, mud or sand, it is advisable to lower your tire pressure to have more of the tread gripping the ground. This should be done in conjunction with reduced speeds since tires will be less responsive. Remember to re-inflate your tire once you hit the highway though!

• Storing the car over long periods of time: When the car will not be driven for long periods, ie, more than 6 months, it is advisable to increase the tire pressure to maximum to make up for any air loss during the storage period.

So as you can see, a well inflated tyre can go a long way in saving you time and money while keeping you safe on the road! Remember to keep your tires properly inflated! Happy driving!