Tire pressure is key in maintaining tire health, vehicle safety, and fuel efficiency. So what should you be thinking about in terms of tire pressure and its ongoing maintenance? Read this article for the best tips and how they’ll extend the life of your tires, stretch your fuel dollar, and keep you safer.
Understanding tire pressure
Proper tire pressure is crucial. Each vehicle will have a recommended tire pressure to follow. They’ll lose air naturally over time and drop when the weather cools. Simply refill them to the recommended PSI.
Every vehicle should have a tire pressure monitoring system and ideally, a tire inflator with a gauge. You won’t always be able to tell if the tire pressure is low.
That’s why it’s important to check every so often, or when it gets cold, and listen to the lights that come up on the dashboard. Even slightly low tire pressure can begin to cause issues, affecting how the vehicle handles, its traction, and fuel consumption.
How to check tire pressure
- Know the recommended PSI
This can be found in either the side door jamb or the owner’s manual. The recommended PSI is based on a “cold” tire. This is a tire that has been parked for at least three hours, or one that has been driven for less than 1.6 km at low speeds. If you check your tire pressure after having driven for longer than that, the PSI might read as higher than it is.
- Tire pressure monitoring system
Locate and check the tire pressure monitoring system within your vehicle. This is often a quick way to know if the tire pressure in your vehicle needs addressing. But don’t rely solely on this. They can malfunction, and they can also read different numbers as the tires heat and cool.
- Tire inflator with gauge
There are many tire inflator options available. Equip your vehicle with one that has a gauge so not only can you check the current tire pressure, but you can also refill it precisely and see the PSI change live.
- Refill to the correct PSI
This step is simple. Once you know the PSI for your vehicle, refill to that point and no further. Just as underinflation can cause problems, so can overinflation.
Each tire will have a small tab that can be unscrewed. Affix the tire inflator with a gauge to it. You’ll hear a hissing sound, which means it’s connected. Then shut the valve on the tire inflator or push it in until the hissing stops so it’s fully connected. Start pumping.
- Check again next month
Make tire pressure checks a routine. Check them every month to stay ahead of any PSI changes. Don’t wait too long and drive with low tire pressure.
Impact of weather on tire pressure
Cold weather
In cooler temperatures, air contracts, which is why a cold tire will have a lower PSI. Smaller molecules are also more likely to seep through the tire which happens naturally regardless. Tire rubber will also become more firm when it’s cold which can affect where it seals around the wheel rim.
This can also lead to further leaks. Know that in freezing temperatures, the tire pressure monitoring system might say the PSI is too low, but that could be because the tire is very cold and when it warms up after some driving, the air will expand, and the PSI will right itself.
Warm weather
Hotter temperatures expand air so the tire can become over-inflated. Excessive tire pressure often leads to increased wear on the center of the tire until the treads lose their effectiveness.
Overinflation also reduces the surface area of the tire that meets the road which affects traction, handling, and stability. Overall, it reduces the lifespan of even the best all-season tires. If over-inflation is a problem, simply apply the tire inflator with a gauge and let some of the air out while reading the PSI.
Sailun: your top choice to replace tires
Tire pressure is a regular part of vehicle and tire maintenance so becoming familiar with it will help your tires last longer and perform better. Then when it comes time, choose Sailun for the best all-weather tires, built to perform exceptionally well and look attractive on your vehicle. Start browsing here.