Top Tips for checking tyre pressures correctly
1. Check your tyre pressure at least once a month.
2. Tyre pressure should be checked against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended level. This can be found in the vehicle handbook and on a plate which is often located inside the fuel filler flap or on the driver’s door sill.
3. Check the pressure when tyres are cold (i.e. when you have travelled less than two miles).
4. If you are carrying a full load of passengers or luggage or will be towing a trailer or caravan, tyre pressures should be increased in line with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Details can be found in the handbook.
5. Ensure a reliable and accurate pressure gauge is used.
6. Check the pressure in all four tyres not forgetting to check the spare tyre as well.
7. While checking pressures, give the rest of the tyre a visual inspection. Remove any stones and other objects embedded in the tread. Look out for any bulges, lumps or cuts.
8. If you are unsure on any aspect of tyre pressure or tyre condition take your vehicle to an approved fitting centre and speak to the experts.
9. Observe the law with regard to fitting cross ply tyres, which should never be mixed on the same axle with radial tyres. Fortunately almost all modern tyres are radials
10.On passenger cars, trailers and light vans up to 3500kg in weight there must be a minimum of 1.6mm tread depth in continuous bands around the tyre across the central ¾ width of the tyre.
11.Every new car-type tyre must meet European standards for load/speed performance and be marked on the sidewall with an "E" Marking
12.To ensure your tyres last longer, drive safely.
- Obey speed limits - excessive speed increases wear and tear.
- Avoid fast starts, stops, turns and skids.
- Avoid potholes and other objects in the road
- Do not run over the kerb or chafe the kerb when parking your car.
- Do not overload your car. Consult manufacturers guidelines.
13.Poor tracking (alignment) can cause your tyres to wear prematurely on the inner or outer edges.
The penalties for offences related to the use of faulty tyres on vehicles are very severe.
For every offence there is a fine at level 4 of the standard scale with discretionary disqualification and 3 penalty points.
Currently the fine is up to £2,500 and each faulty tyre is considered as a separate offence. Two faulty tyres = £5,000 in fines (Max).
Courtesy of: http://www.tyresafe.org/
You can check your tyre pressures for your vehicle at http://www.tyresafe.org/tyre-pressure-checker/
Registration: S60PLM Make: VAUXHALL Model: CORSA DESIGN Colour: SILVER
My correct tyre pressures
Tyre size: 195/55R16 Front tyre: 2.0 BAR / 29 PSI Rear tyre: 1.8 BAR / 26 PSI
Why is it important to check your pressures regularly?
Correct tyre pressure is vital to your safety on the road. Under-inflated tyres affect handling and grip, potentially causing irregular or unpredictable vehicle behaviour. They are also much more likely to suffer from a dangerous blowout, especially on high-speed motorway journeys.
By keeping your tyres at their optimum pressure, your running costs are also reduced. Under-inflated tyres require a bigger force to make them turn, so your car uses more fuel. Additionally, tyres which are not set to their correct pressure wear out more quickly.
So, to benefit from lower fuel bills, longer tyre life, increased safety and reduced CO2 emissions, make sure you check your tyre pressures at least once a month and before a long journey.These tips can save you money.
Thank you for visiting Philip Manfield School of Motoring Cardiff checking tyre pressures correctly