Tyre pressure plays a big role in your car’s overall safety, performance and fuel efficiency. Maintaining the correct pressure ensures optimal traction and handling, and helps maximise your car’s mileage. Typically, the manufacturer provides a recommended car tyre pressure to help you achieve the best driving experience while enhancing your vehicle’s performance.
While most cars have different recommended tyre pressures based on the type of vehicle and the size of the tyres, anywhere between 28 and 36 PSI is the norm. However, it is crucial that you learn about the ideal tyre pressure for cars to avoid premature wear and tear, and compromised fuel economy.
Where can I find the correct pressure for my tyres?
There are several ways of discovering the correct car tyre pressure:
- Owner's Manual: Your vehicle’s owner’s manual includes a dedicated section on tyre pressure, outlining the recommended settings. These guidelines are ideal, as they are based on the manufacturer’s precise knowledge of your specific make and model requirements.
- Driver’s Side Door Jamb: You can also find tyre pressure information on a sticker located on the driver's side door jamb. This sticker generally lists details about the tyres, such as suggested PSI (pounds per square inch) for rear and front tyres.
- Information from the Tyre Manufacturer: Occasionally, the tyres themselves have text marked all over their sides. Note that the numbers here might indicate the maximum pressure the tyre can withstand and not what is optimal. Therefore, it is best to follow exactly what the manufacturer suggests.
- Dealer or Service Centre: In case you cannot locate the information in your manual or on the door jamb, contacting a dealer or even a professional repair shop will help.
How to check the tyre pressure
The easiest way to check for car tyre pressure is to visit a petrol station with a tyre air or nitrogen filling facility, and ask them to perform the check. Many newer vehicles also have a TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), which warns you in case your tyre pressure is not appropriate. This information is useful, but it's always best to manually check your tyre pressure, as sensors can sometimes be inaccurate or malfunction.
Thus, knowing how to do it by yourself is a handy skill to have:
- Gather tools: You will require a tyre pressure gauge. These are fairly affordable and sold at any car parts store or supermarket. They include pen-style gauges or digital ones.
- Find the valve stem: The valve stem is typically black and extends out from the wheel. This is exactly where you will mount the gauge.
- Apply the gauge: Take the cap out of the valve stem and securely place the gauge onto it. You will hear a hiss whenever you turn the gauge on. If you hear a continual hiss, you might not be filling the gauge properly, and air may instead be escaping.
- Read the measurement: When attached properly, the gauge will display the current pressure. In case you are using a pen-style pressure gauge, the pressure is determined by the distance the internal stick pops out. On digital gauges, the pressure is shown on an LCD display.
- Compare to recommended pressure: If your tyres are below the recommended level, you will have to pump in more air. In case they're above the recommended level, you might have to blow some air out. You can get this done at the petrol pump, or you can purchase an air compressor to connect to the valve stem and fill in air. To release air, lightly tap the metallic stem within the valve, then check the pressure once again.
- Replace the cap: When you've established the pressure reading, make sure to screw the cap back on the stem to seal away dirt and moisture.
- Check all tyres: Front and rear tyres may have different pressures, so check the particular recommendations for each.
Tip: Check when the tyres are cold, i.e., when the car has not been driven around lately or parked in the sun. Tyre pressure increases when tyres are hot or even when the weather is very hot, as gas expands when it heats.
What is the ideal tyre pressure for cars?
The optimal tyre pressure differs by the make and model of your automobile. That is why you must check your particular vehicle specifications rather than guessing a broad range of values. Many passenger cars typically have recommended tyre pressures ranging from 28 to 36 PSI. However, this can vary, so always refer to your vehicle’s specifications to ensure optimal type pressure.
Conclusion
To ensure the durability of tyres and your vehicle’s optimal performance, always follow the ideal tyre pressure recommended in the owner’s manual. Monitoring tyre pressure regularly can help you avoid poor braking, overheating and lower mileage. Additionally, always keep tyre pressure-checking equipment handy for a quick check, especially if you suspect something wrong.
Apart from regular maintenance, it is important to take measures to safeguard your car against any possible damage. Investing in good car insurance is a smart move. It ensures financial protection by providing coverage in case of accidents, risks of theft, and natural disasters, whether it is repair costs or medical emergencies.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.