Correct Tyre Pressure
Tyre pressure is often forgotten about, it is important maintenance to ensure your car is running right, since it isn’t the tyres that support the weight of the vehicle, but rather the tyres’ air pressure.
Tyre pressure influences many important aspects of the car’s performance; driving comfort, directional stability, cornering, braking grip, and general handling behaviour. To upkeep your vehicle and keep it safe, it is best to check your tyre pressure regularly, once a month.
Tyres lose air pressure naturally at a rate of around 1-2 psi (pounds per square inch) per month, so it’s important to monitor tyre pressures regularly to ensure optimal performance. 
What are your recommended tyre pressures?
The tyre pressure required for your vehicle is set by the car manufacturer and the tyre producer. The psi or kpa is based on the car’s total weight, size, towing weight capability, and the recommended tyre size.
To find out your recommended tyre pressure it can usually be found on the side of the tyre itself, in your car’s handbook, inside the fuel cap, or on the driver’s door. If you cannot find your tyre pressure recommendation anywhere, then the general rule is 30-32psi for rear tyres and 32-34psi in the front tyres. These recommended tyre pressures are based on “cold inflation pressure”.
Cold inflation pressure
Gas expands when heated and decreases when the temperature is cooler. Daily temperatures constantly change between the seasons and can cause tyre pressures to fluctuate (1.5 psi every 10C). Due to the cold inflation pressure, it is a good habit to constantly check your tyre pressure at the beginning of each month and before any long road trips (especially if you are towing something).
Benefits of correct tyre pressure
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Fuel economy
The correct tyre pressure is important for getting good fuel mileage. By having the correct pressure you can improve your gas mileage on average by 0.6%, and even up to 3%. Underinflated tyres will use up more fuel by about 5%, so you’ll be paying for more petrol and harming the environment.
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Safety
Tyres that are underinflated is one of the most common causes for a tyre to fail or result in a blowout. If your tyre fails/blows out your car is likely to lose control and possibly result in an accident. For your own road safety and the safety of others on the road, make sure you have the correct tyre pressure. 
Tyres with the correct tyre pressure will last you longer than tyres that are underinflated. If a tyre is underinflated by 5 PSI it can reduce the lifespan of a tyre up to 25%. Tyres that are not regularly checked can lose around 1 to 2 PSI every month, which will quickly add up.
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Handling
The correct tyre pressure can improve your vehicle’s steering, stopping, and grip. If your tyres are underinflated it can cause delayed braking, resulting in smaller stopping distances, that could result in an accident.
How to check your tyre pressure
- Find out your recommended tyre pressure.
- Before you begin to assess your tyres, make sure they’re cool (not warm or hot to touch).
- Park your car on a flat surface to get the most accurate reading.
- Remove the valve cap and connect a tyre gauge or service station inflator to get the correct reading.
- If you determine that a tyre needs air, insert the pump into the tyre valve and fill it to the correct tyre pressure.
If you are unsure about your tyre pressure, concerned that your tyre pressure is incorrect or the incorrect tyre pressure has caused issues, call a mechanic. They will be able to advise you on what actions to take and will able to get you a new tyre or fix any repairs if need be.
Tyre Pressure in Hamilton
Get the most out of your tyres. Grimmer Motors checks tyre pressure with every service, meaning you can have peace of mind your tyre pressures are accurate for your car. To get your tyre pressure checked as part of any service or any other car repairs come into Grimmer Motors today! Grimmer Motors are qualified, experienced, and honest mechanics that you can trust to help with any car repairs or tyre issues.