Are you always in a hurry and forget to check your tyre pressure? The reality is that your tyres are the direct link between the car and the road, meaning that they do need a little attention now and then. To roll reliably, tyres need one thing above all others: air. Given that air can escape over time.
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That’s why, to be safe on the road, you should check the tyre pressure regularly.
Here are some reasons why you should always take a quick peek at your tyre pressure before hitting the road.
It’s About What You’ve Noticed
There are signs of incorrect tyre pressure, so if you pick up any of these indicators, pull into your nearest fuel station and get your pressure checked.
A few signs your tyre pressure may be off:
- Your car feels like it “lurches,” which is when the air pressure at the rear are too low, causing the rear to react erratically, particularly when changing lanes.
- The car won’t run straight ahead anymore, which could mean the front tyre pressure is incorrect.
- The steering wheel shakes or there’s an odd vibration when driving.
It’s About Fuel Efficiency
Proper tyre pressure can help improve your car’s fuel efficiency. When your tyres are properly inflated, your car handles better, and it puts less pressure on the engine, which can result in better gas mileage.
A more technical explanation would be that too little air in your tyres can result in increased rolling resistance and increase fuel consumption by up to 0.5 litres per 100kms.
So, if you’re looking to save a few bucks in the long run, you might want to consider checking your tyre pressure, and possibly inflating them.
It’s About A Smooth Ride
Well-inflated tyres can help you travel smoother on the road. Incorrect tyre pressure can have a massive impact on handling. It doesn’t matter whether the pressure is too high or too low… in both cases, the car will have unstable traction and a longer braking distance.
That said, it’s worth noting that low tyre pressure can cause several issues, one being uneven and premature tyre wear which can make for a bumpy and uncomfortable ride.
Checking your tyre pressure often ensures your tyres are wearing out evenly, making for a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.
It’s About Safety
Lastly, checking your tyre pressure regularly can prevent you from getting into an accident. Underinflated tyres can cause your car to veer or swerve on the road, which can result in some dangerous situations. Overinflated tyres can also be risky as they can blow out at any time, leaving you stranded on the side of the road, or worse injured as a result of a more serious incident.
The great news is that you absolutely can get your pressure checked in a few minutes at your nearest fuel station. It’s an easy task to tick off your checklist before you head out onto the road.
Feel informed?
Although checking tyre pressure can be a quick and straightforward process, it is often overlooked by many drivers. However, it is important to note that maintaining proper pressure is vital for both safety and financial reasons. In addition to ensuring a safer driving experience, maintaining correct pressure can also help to extend the life of your tyres, reduce fuel consumption, and save you money in the long run. Therefore, it is recommended that drivers make it a habit to check their tyre pressure regularly to ensure that their vehicle is always operating at optimal levels.
So, what are you waiting for? Make sure to check your tyre pressure before heading out, and you might save yourself some money and some unnecessary headaches.
Don’t forget that AA Inform is home to a range of useful tools and resources, like our free Vehicle Valuation Report and our Trip Fuel Cost Calculator which you can use to calculate your fuel consumption for specific trips.
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