HOW MUCH
AIR SHOULD I PUT IN MY TYRES?
Proper air
pressure is the most important part of tyre care. Tyres
should be inflated to the pressure recommended by the
manufacturer of your car. The vehicle manufacturer’s
recommended tyre size and inflation pressure are shown in
the owner’s manual. This information is also placed in one
or more of the following areas:
- On the edge of the driver’s door
- On the door post
- On the inside of the glove box door
If the size
on the vehicle does not match the recommended size, consult
the tyre or vehicle manufacturer.
PROBLEM OF
UNDERINFLATION
Underinflation is the tyre’s
worst enemy. An underinflated tyre can experience excessive
side wall flexing which results in high heat generation and
reduction in load carrying capacity. Underinflation also
leads to a reduction in fuel economy. Inflating your tyres
to the maximum pressure specified on the tyre side wall can
extend tyre life and improve your fuel economy.
HOW AND
WHEN TO CHECK
You cannot determine whether a
tyre has the correct air pressure just by looking at it.
This is especially true with radial tyres.
You should check tyre pressure
with a good quality air pressure to gauge at least every two
weeks and before any long trips. Always check the pressure
when the tyres are cool (when the vehicle has been driven
less than 1.5km). If the car has been driven, allow the
tyres to cool for a few hours before checking the pressure.
Never bleed or reduce tyre pressure when tyres are hot. A
tyre air pressure will automatically increase as its
internal temperature increases. This increase is normal and
should not be adjusted.
VARY WITH
LOAD
Tyre pressure should be
increased when your car is carrying extra weight, such as on
a vacation trip. An increase of 4psi (28kPa) over the car
manufacturer’s recommended cold tyre pressure is usually
adequate. Remember, check and adjust inflation only when
tyres are cool.
VALVE CAPS
Be sure the valve caps are
screwed down finger-tight. Valve caps should have a rubber
seal to provide a secondary air seal and keep dirt and
moisture out of the valve core. A new valve assembly should
be installed whenever a tyre is placed.
SUMMARY
- Check inflation often
- Underinflation is the leading cause of tyre failures
- Prevent overloading your tyres by increasing the
inflation pressure when carrying extra weight
- Do not rely on feel to tell if a tyre is
underinflated
- Carry a good air pressure gauge in your glove box
and USE IT!