Maximize Safety with Proper Tyre Pressure Checks

how often should you check car tyre pressure

Maximize Safety with Proper Tyre Pressure Checks To the drivers, keeping the right tyre pressure is not only safe for them and other users of the road but also for getting the best performance of the vehicle. Tyres should always be inflated to the right pressure because this will help in the handling of the car especially during bad weather or if there is an accident. That is why, experts always suggest to check your tyres before start a journey, regardless of the distance. Why Should Tyre Pressure Be Checked? There are many reasons why checking tyre pressure should be a regular part of vehicle maintenance. Fuel Consumption: The under-inflation of the tyres raises the rolling resistance, and this makes the engine to work harder, thus using up more fuel. On the other hand, low profile tyres have less contact with the ground and this influences both the traction and the wearing of the tyres which in turn affects the fuel consumption. Safety Concerns: Under-inflated tyres are more prone to blowouts, especially at high speeds, which can result in loss of control and serious accidents. Additionally, incorrect tyre pressure can impair braking distances, increasing the risk of collisions. Tyre Longevity: Tyre pressure would directly affect the lifespan of your tyres. Maintaining the correct pressure can significantly reduce wear and tear, allowing your tyres to last longer and perform optimally. Tyres that are under-inflated usually wear out in a irregular pattern especially along the sides and this will require frequent replacement adding to the expenses. On the other hand, over-inflation of the tyres results to the wearing out of the middle part of the tread, reduced traction and overall performance. Improved Handling and Performance: When tyres are inflated to the recommended levels, they provide optimal contact with the road surface, enabling better steering response and stability during cornering. This not only helps in achieving a comfortable ride but also enables the driver to have control over the car in different driving situations such as cornering or when the road is icy. When Should Tyre Pressure Be Checked? It is advisable to check tyre pressure at least once a month, as well as before beginning a long trip. If you don’t use your vehicle for while, it’s good to check the tyre pressure before taking it out again. Changes in temperature can cause air pressure to fluctuate, so significant weather changes may necessitate more frequent checks. What to Do If You Face Low or High Pressure? If you find that your car has low or high tyre pressure, we recommend you take immediate action to ensure your safety. For low tyre pressure, find a safe place to pull over as soon as possible. After that, visually inspect the tyres for any obvious damage or leaks. If a puncture is identified, use a tyre repair kit if you’re equipped, or consider calling for tyre fitting assistance near you. If you have high tyre pressure, do not attempt sharp turns or try to accelerate quickly until the issue is addressed. Bleed the air slowly with the help of a tyre pressure gauge until it gets to the right level. It is also important to note that the recommended pressure differs from one car model to another and one should consult the owner’s manual for the correct pressure. Thus, if you perform the necessary checks and adjustments more often, you improve not only the vehicle’s performance but also increase safety for yourself and other road users. Wrap Up: Well, now you know the significance of tyre pressure maintenance and how it affects your safety, fuel consumption and the overall experience of driving. Thus, by including the check-ups in your vehicle maintenance schedule, you can be sure that your tyres are always in the best condition and can last for a longer period as well as improve the performance of your car. Recent Posts Can You Really Repair Car Tyres? Everything You Need to Know 27 Aug 2024 A Complete Guide: What Is Mobile Tyre Fitting And It Works? 19 Aug 2024 The Definitive Guide to Checking Tyre Pressure: Ensure Your Tyres Are Perfectly Inflated 13 Aug 2024 Maximize Safety with Proper Tyre Pressure Checks 08 Aug 2024 Have Any Question? Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you. +44 7391 372653 info@a1expresstyres.com About Author Chris Hartley Chris Hartley is a skilled mechanic and tyre fitter with over 15 years of hands-on experience. He started his career as an apprentice in a local garage and has since become a trusted expert in vehicle maintenance and repair. Chris specializes in diagnosing complex engine issues and ensuring proper tyre fitting for optimal vehicle performance and safety. He regularly attends industry workshops to stay up-to-date with the latest automotive technologies. When not working on cars, Chris enjoys sharing his knowledge through easy-to-understand articles, helping car owners make informed decisions about their vehicles. Settings

Flat Tyres: Causes, Safety Tips, and How to Handle Them

what causes tyre puncture

Flat Tyres: Causes, Safety Tips, and How to Handle Them While driving somehow, someday, we have all faced the annoyance of a punctured or flat tyre. It can happen at anytime and anywhere, leaving us in a helpless situation. Furthermore, sometime it cause serious accidents, or financial loss and wastage of time. Many people belief it might be bad luck, but every problem have roots that cause them. Generally speaking, tyre punctures can occur due to a variety of reasons such as driving over sharp objects, low tyre pressure, worn out tyres, even manufacturing defects and much more. What Cause Tyre Punctures? There are several factors that can cause a tyre puncture, and it’s important to understand them in order to prevent them from happening. Driving over sharp objects: This is one of the common reason for tyre punctures. Sharp objects such as nails, screws, glass pieces (from accident) or even rocks can pierce through the rubber of a tyre and cause a puncture. This can happen on roads, parking lots, construction sites, or anywhere that has debris lying around. You can’t avoid such a small things but slowing down and avoiding accidental spot can significantly decrease the chances of getting a puncture. Low tyre pressure: Low pressure tyres always increases the chances of getting a puncture or flat tyre. Due low pressure, the tyre becomes more vulnerable to damage from sharp objects and can weaken the sidewalls. It also causes friction between the tyre and road surface which can lead to heating up of tyres and eventually cause blowouts. Therefore, it’s important to regularly check your tyre pressure and maintain it according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Worn out tyres: As tyres get old and worn out, they become thinner and lose their ability to withstand punctures. The tread depth decreases making them more susceptible to sharp object penetration. This is why it’s important to replace your tyres on time and not let them wear out completely. It’s recommended to replace tyres when the tread depth reaches 2/32 inches (3mm) or less. Valve stem damage: The valve stem is the small rubber component used to inflate and deflate tyres. If it gets damaged, it can cause air leakage leading to a flat tyre. Damage to valve stems can occur due to age, harsh weather conditions, or even improper handling during tyre maintenance. Critical Weather: In the United Kingdom, extreme weather can impact tire performance and heighten the risk of punctures. During hot weather, heat can cause tires to expand, which may lead to blowouts if they’re underinflated. In contrast, cold weather can lower tire pressure, making them more prone to damage. Wet and icy conditions also pose challenges; slippery roads can cause loss of control and increased tire wear, raising the risk of punctures from debris. To avoid these issues, drivers should adjust their driving habits based on the weather, regularly check tire pressure, and ensure their tires are suitable for the climate. Tyre Cracks and Multiple Repairs: Tyre cracks and punctures significantly threaten vehicle safety and performance. Cracks often develop due to age, harsh weather exposure, and improper storage. These flaws compromise the tyre’s structural integrity, increasing the risk of blowouts and additional punctures. If a tyre has already sustained one puncture, it becomes more susceptible to further damage, especially if the initial issue wasn’t fixed properly. Manufacturing Defects: In very rare cases, manufacturing defects can contribute to tyre punctures. These defects may arise from flaws in the materials used or errors during the tyre production process. Such issues can lead to weak spots in the tyre, making them more susceptible to punctures and blowouts. Low Quality Tyres The market is full of high-quality tyres like Michelin, Bridgestone, and Continental, which are designed to withstand various driving conditions and offer superior performance. However, there are also low-quality tyres that can pose significant hazards to drivers. These tyres are often manufactured with inferior materials and lack rigorous quality control processes, making them more prone to punctures, blowouts, and overall failure. Wrap Up: We’ve discussed the various causes of tire punctures and the factors that increase their likelihood. By avoiding unnecessary risks and maintaining your tires properly, you can significantly reduce the chances of punctures. However, it’s important to remember that punctures can still happen. If you encounter any tire issues, contact a professional tire service for assistance. They can offer expert advice, perform repairs, and replace damaged tires to keep your vehicle safe and roadworthy. Recent Posts Can You Really Repair Car Tyres? Everything You Need to Know 27 Aug 2024 A Complete Guide: What Is Mobile Tyre Fitting And It Works? 19 Aug 2024 The Definitive Guide to Checking Tyre Pressure: Ensure Your Tyres Are Perfectly Inflated 13 Aug 2024 Maximize Safety with Proper Tyre Pressure Checks 08 Aug 2024 Have Any Question? Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you. +44 7391 372653 info@a1expresstyres.com About Author Chris Hartley Chris Hartley is a skilled mechanic and tyre fitter with over 15 years of hands-on experience. He started his career as an apprentice in a local garage and has since become a trusted expert in vehicle maintenance and repair. Chris specializes in diagnosing complex engine issues and ensuring proper tyre fitting for optimal vehicle performance and safety. He regularly attends industry workshops to stay up-to-date with the latest automotive technologies. When not working on cars, Chris enjoys sharing his knowledge through easy-to-understand articles, helping car owners make informed decisions about their vehicles. Settings

4 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Car Tyres

should i change my tyres after 5 years

4 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Car Tyres Tyres are a significant component in any vehicle, as they are the only point of contact between your car and the road. Without proper tyres condition, you risk losing control of your vehicle and putting yourself and others in danger. That is why every vehicle owner should know when to change their tyres whether they are new, used or retreaded. How To Know When To Change Your Tyres? Genarally, it is recommended to change your tyres every 6 – 8 years or after driving approximately 20,000 miles to 30,000 miles, depending on your driving habits and the type of tyres you have. However, there are certain signs that can indicate it is time to change your tyres before the recommended timeframe. Tread Wear Tyres treads are designed to provide grip and traction on the road. Over time, these treads wear down due to regular usage and can affect the performance of your vehicle. If you avoid these signs, it can lead to lower fuel efficiency, poor handling, and increase the chances of accidents. According to tyre manufacturers, tyres should be replaced when the tread depth reaches 1.6mm but in our recommendation, it is best to change them at 3mm for better safety. Check Tread Wear: Tread wear can be easily checked by using a tread depth gauge or the old-fashioned penny test. Simply insert a 20p coin into the tread grooves, and if the outer band of the coin is visible, it’s time to change your tyres. Uneven Tyre Wear: Sometime tyres can wear out unevenly due to improper alignment, suspension issues or over/under-inflation. This can lead to bald spots on the tyres, which can be dangerous while driving as they have reduced grip and stability. You can check for uneven tyre wear by examining the tread depth on different parts of the tyre. Age of Tyres: The tyres lasted for 8 to 10 year according to most manufacturers. However, at the span of 6 to 8 years it is important to keep a close eye on the condition of your tyres. Factors like exposure to extreme temperatures, sunlight and chemicals can cause the rubber to degrade and deteriorate over time. Check Tyre Age: The age of your tyres can be found engraved on the sidewall in the form of a four-digit number. The first two digits indicate the week of manufacture, and the last two digits represent the year. For example, if your tyre has 2218 engraved on it, it means that it was manufactured in the 22nd week of 2018. Damaged or Punctured Tyres: Even if your tyres have not reached their recommended lifespan, they may need to be changed if they are damaged or punctured. Small punctures aren’t problems but multiple puncture repair and sidewall damage can greatly affect the safety and performance of your vehicle. It is important to regularly check your tyres for any signs of damage, such as cuts, bulges, or cracks. Wrap Up: The above signs should be taken seriously and considered as a warning to get your tyres changed. Driving with worn, old or damaged tyres is not only dangerous but also illegal in many countries. Also, consider someone to hire a professional to check the condition of your tyres if you’re unsure about it. Recent Posts Can You Really Repair Car Tyres? Everything You Need to Know 27 Aug 2024 A Complete Guide: What Is Mobile Tyre Fitting And It Works? 19 Aug 2024 The Definitive Guide to Checking Tyre Pressure: Ensure Your Tyres Are Perfectly Inflated 13 Aug 2024 Maximize Safety with Proper Tyre Pressure Checks 08 Aug 2024 Have Any Question? Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you. +44 7391 372653 info@a1expresstyres.com About Author