How much Air to put in Tyres?
The pressure is simply the air inside the tyres, which gives consistency to the compound.
It must be indicated by the manufacturers, which is usually indicated :
- In the user's manual or on the vehicle itself: on the door frame or on the fuel tank access cover.
- On the tyre’s sidewall
There is no standard pressure for car tyres but normally it is between 1.8 and 2.2 bar or 30 to 35 PSI. (1 bar = 14,5 PSI).
Use an air pressure gauge that is in good condition. This is not always the case in some service stations, so having a portable gauge that is perfectly calibrated is good because it will be accurate.
Checking air pressure at a tyre auto shop is recommended when you are not sure how to check it properly on your own.
However, the heavier the engine, the more tyre pressure the car tyres require simply because of the need to counteract and the support the added weight.
Obviously, the pressure is not the same when the vehicle is occupied by only two passengers as it is when fully loaded with five passengers and lots of luggage, just as there may be variations between the needs of the front and the rear wheels. According to Michelin studies, a tyre with a pressure that is lower than the recommended 20% will last 20% less.
The pressure should always be measured when tyres are cold, which means you should not drive more than a couple of kilometres to the service station. In case of having driven a longer distance, it is advisable to wait a few minutes until the temperature drops.
How much is too low for tyre pressure?
A tyre pressure that is under 20 PSI is considered a flat tyre. It is dangerous to drive with such low pressure as there is a risk of a tyre blowout. Get your tyres inflated as soon as the pressure decreases under 30 PSI to prevent any accident.
How does low pressure affect tyres?
When tyres are underinflated, it decreases the lifespan because they wear out much faster. The other consequences are the increase of fuel consumption, the difficulty of car handling and sometimes aquaplaning on wet ground. On the opposite, tyres whose pressure is too high are more likely to cause damage from potholes, curbs or even a blowout. It will also affect the suspension and the steering. In very low amounts of tyre pressure like below 20PSI, there can be a risk of flat tyre.