When was the last time you checked your tyre pressure? Many drivers unknowingly believe outdated myths that can compromise their safety, fuel efficiency, and even the lifespan of their tyres. From the misconception that the sidewall lists the correct pressure to the false belief that overinflating improves fuel economy, misinformation is everywhere. Let’s separate the facts from fiction so you can keep your tyres in top condition and drive with confidence.
Myth – The Correct Tyre Pressure is Found on the Tyre Sidewall
Fact – That number on the side of your tyre? It’s not the recommended pressure for your car – it’s the maximum pressure the tyre can handle. Driving with that much air in your tyres can lead to poor grip, faster wear, and a bumpy ride. Instead, check your car’s manual or the sticker inside the driver’s door for the manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressure.
Myth – Lowering Tyre Pressure Improves Grip in Normal Driving Conditions
Fact – This might be true for off-roading or driving in deep snow, but for everyday roads, it’s a bad idea. Underinflated tyres have more contact with the road, but that doesn’t mean better grip. Instead, they create more heat, wear out faster, and increase the risk of a dangerous blowout.
Myth – Overinflating Tyres Improves Fuel Efficiency
Fact – Overinflating your tyres might reduce rolling resistance, but it also reduces grip and makes your car harder to control. Plus, it leads to uneven tyre wear, meaning you’ll have to replace your tyres sooner. If you want better fuel economy, stick to the recommended pressure and focus on smooth driving habits instead.
Myth – Tyre Pressure Only Needs to be Checked When You Notice a Problem
Fact – Tyres naturally lose air over time, even if there are no visible punctures. Temperature fluctuations can also impact tyre pressure, with colder temperatures causing tyres to deflate slightly. Checking tyre pressure at least once a month and before long trips helps maintain safety and efficiency.
Myth – Tyre Pressure Doesn’t Affect Tyre Lifespan
Fact – Incorrect tyre pressure leads to uneven wear and significantly reduces the lifespan of your tyres. Underinflated tyres wear out more on the edges, while overinflated tyres wear out more in the centre. Proper inflation ensures even wear, extending the life of your tyres and saving you money in the long run!
Myth – Modern Vehicles with TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) Eliminate the Need for Manual Checks
Fact – Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) have transformed the way we think about tyre maintenance – these innovative systems take the guesswork out of tyre care. But do they completely eliminate the need for manual checks? While TPMS provides real-time data on your tyre pressure, it’s still essential to perform regular manual inspections. Sometimes, sensors can malfunction or give inaccurate readings due to various factors like temperature changes or sensor battery life.
Incorporating a mix of technology and traditional checks ensures that you maintain optimal tyre health and safety on the road.
Myth – You Can Judge Tyre Pressure by Looking at the Tyres
Fact – Just because your tyres are not visually sagging doesn’t mean they’re road-ready! Even if your tyres look fine, they could still be under or overinflated. A tyre can be dangerously low on pressure without appearing flat to the naked eye. The only way to be sure? Use a reliable tyre pressure gauge. It takes seconds and can save you from an unexpected blowout.
Keeping Your Tyres in Check
Tyre pressure might seem like a small detail, but it makes a huge difference in your driving experience. Properly inflated tyres mean better handling, safer driving, and fewer trips to the tyre shop for premature tyre replacements. So, invest in a TPMS (if you don’t already have one) manually check your tyres monthly, and ignore the bad advice.
Stay safe, drive smart, and keep those tyres pumped – just the right amount!
Shop TPMS at Safe T Tyre today – Australia’s trusted destination for high-quality, affordable tyre pressure monitoring systems. Call 1800 499 383 or shop online now.