Checking Tyre Pressures
Monday 20 March 2017
Back to Latest NewsTyre Pressures
Having correct inflation air pressure or tyre pressures (PSI) in your tyres is important to maximize the life of your tyres and reduce fuel usage, but more importantly, it is important for your safety. Under or over inflated tyres can affect the way your vehicle’s braking and handling performance work. Under or over inflated tyre pressure will increase the braking distance in emergency and can cause accidents.
We recommend that you check your tyre pressure once a month and before any long trips. It’s easy and just takes a few minutes.
Here’s how:
- Purchase an accurate tyre pressure gauge and keep it in your car.
- Find the tyre pressure level required for your car. This information is usually on a sticker on the door jamb on the driver side. It is also contained in the owner’s manual. The pressure level may differ for front and rear tyres.
- Check your tyres when the they are cold, first thing in the morning is best, or at least two hours after you have driven.
- Unscrew the valve cap and set it aside where you won’t lose it. Insert the pressure gauge into the valve stem on your tyre. There may be a slight hiss sounds as you press down on the valve stem and again when you release it. Read the tyre pressure on the gauge. You might consider writing down the pressure as you go around the car. We recommend and only use metal valve caps as they are the best for sealing the valve. Most plastic caps don’t seal the valve correctly.
- Compare the measured psi to the psi required for your vehicle. If your pressure is above that number, let air out until it matches. We recommend with low profile tyres to increase the pressure by 4 psi above the placard. Why? We have found over the years that if the tyre is set tyre placard pressure we see wear on the shoulders of the tyre. If below, you will need to fill the tyre with air until it reaches the correct pressure number.
Checking the tyre pressures are important. Make it part of your monthly routine by writing it down on your calendar or putting a monthly reminder on your smartphone.
If you are not confident in checking your tyre pressure, please call in to one of our All Coast Tyre Solutions store in Maroochydore or Yandina and the team will be more than happy to check and adjust for you.
