How to Check Tyre Pressure?
You can do it from a gas station or from home if you have a pressure gauge. The car must be turned off and at a standstill while the tyres are cold for the measurement to be correct. It takes five minutes.
Here is a step-by-step guide to check tyre pressure
1. Remove the tyre caps from the tyres and save them
2. Attach the nanometer hose to the wheel spout
3. Check the tyre pressure and compare it to the manufacturer's recommended pressure
4. Add or subtract pressure according to the value you have obtained with this check
Some machines at gas stations already perform this action automatically, otherwise it is a matter of squeezing or releasing to let the air out. Remember to put the caps back on all the tyres.
TPMS
There is also the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) which will indicate that the tyres have reached low pressure by notifying on the dashboard with a warning light. It uses a sensor located in the tyre by measuring the tyre pressure.
How do I know if my tyre pressure is low?
- By simply taking a look at the tyres regularly to see if they are underinflated
- This happens when the car is stopped and there is a deformation between the tyre and the ground
- Get the pressure read at a gas station
- When the TPMS light goes off
- With clues like abnormal fuel consumption or uneven tread wear
Is it OK to drive with low tyre pressure?
No, it is dangerous for you and others on the road as it :
- Increases the risk of flat tyres and a blowout
- The lower the pressure, the more power the car will need
- This is because more of the tyre is touching the surface of the road which causes more friction which in turn requires more energy for the car to stay still on the road
- Can create premature and uneven wear and tear
- Increases the braking distance length
- Can cause hydroplaning
How do I know if my tyres need air?
Several signs will make you want to check your tyre pressure.
- If the tyres look flat or unusual
- The driving experience has changed like difficulty to reach high speeds, unusual noises, unusual amount of fuel consumption, difficulty in steering the wheel
- Longer braking distance
- Low tyre pressure read by tyre pressure gauge
- Sudden changes in temperature like very low or very high