Having the correct inflation pressure in your vehicle’s tyres not only optimises the performance but also increases your personal safety when driving, increases the life of the tyre and improves fuel economy.
As a guide you should check your tyre pressures at least once a month, and before long journeys. Ignoring this advice runs the risk of decreasing your grip and increasing your braking distances. You could also damage your tyres reduce their lifespan and increase your fuel consumption.
If your tyres are over or under inflated enough to be considered un-roadworthy, reading this article could save you a fine of up to £2,500 per tyre.
How tyre pressures can affect safety:
ENDURANCE
Driving on under-inflated tyres reduces their endurance capabilities, leading to deterioration that could even result in a blowout.
7 psi (0.5 bar) or more under inflated = DANGER
ROAD HOLDING
With under- inflated tyres, the vehicle’s steering is less precise.
If a bend can be taken at 62 mph (100 km/h) at a tyre pressure of 29 psi (2.0 bar), this speed drops to 54 mph (87 km/h) at 15 psi (1.0 bar), or about 8 mph (13 km/h) less.
Lower pressures = worse road holding
FUEL CONSUMPTION
Tyres under inflated by 15 psi (1 bar) have increased rolling resistance leading to around 6% greater fuel consumption.
When did you last check your tyres?
Recent results showed that:
• An alarming three quarters of UK drivers were running on under inflated tyres.*
• Three per cent of cars checked in the UK were running with a punctured tyre.*
• More than 50% of drivers had tyres that were classified as dangerously under-inflated* (7 psi or more below the recommended pressure)
Driving with incorrect tyre pressures can affect a vehicle’s handling, and can seriously compromise safety—leading to incidents that can put lives at risk.
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