Car service & maintenance: How to adjust your tyre pressures.

Maintaining the correct tire pressure is a fundamental aspect of car servicing and maintenance that often gets overlooked. Proper tire pressure not only enhances your vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency but also ensures your safety on the road.  We often see underinflated tyres in our Southampton car service centre and believe that its an easy mistake to avoid.  In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to accurately check and maintain your tire pressure.

Why is Tire Pressure Important?

Tire pressure affects various aspects of your driving experience, including:

•     Safety: Properly inflated tires provide optimal  grip, improving your vehicle's stability, handling, and braking capabilities.
•     Fuel Efficiency: Underinflated tires can lead to  increased rolling resistance, causing your vehicle to consume more fuel.
•     Tire Lifespan: Maintaining the correct tire pressure helps ensure even tire wear, extending the life of your tires and saving you money in the long run.

Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Your Tyre Pressures

1. Check the Recommended Tyre Pressure

Before heading to a petrol station, find your vehicle’s recommended tyre pressures. These are usually found:

• Inside the driver’s door frame or on the fuel cap.
• In your vehicle owner’s manual.

Different pressures might be recommended for the front and rear tyres or when carrying extra weight.

2. Inspect Your Tyres

Before adjusting pressures, give your tyres a quick visual check:

• Look for cuts, bulges, or other damage.
• Check for uneven or excessive wear on the tread.
• Remove any embedded debris like stones or nails.

If you spot damage, it might be time to visit a professional for a repair or replacement.

3. Set Up the Air Compressor

1. Park your vehicle near the air compressor at a petrol station.
2. Locate the air pump's digital display and input your vehicle’s recommended pressure. Most machines allow you to select the desired pressure level before inflating.

4. Adjust the Tyre Pressure

• To Inflate:

  1. Remove the valve cap from the tyre.
  2. Attach the air hose securely to the valve stem.
  3. The digital display will show the current tyre pressure.
  4. If the pressure is lower than recommended, the machine will automatically add air until the desired level is reached.
  5. Wait until the machine stops and signals completion.

• To Deflate

  1. Attach the air hose as above.
  2. If the current pressure is too high, the machine will release air automatically to lower the pressure to the set level.

5. Repeat for All Tyres

Move around the vehicle and repeat the process for each tyre, ensuring all are inflated to their correct pressures. Don’t forget to check the spare tyre, if applicable!

6. Replace the Valve Caps

Once all tyres are at the correct pressure, securely replace the valve caps to keep out dirt and moisture.

Tips for Maintaining Tire Pressure:

• Check Regularly: Aim to check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips. This can help with unnecessary wear and reduce the chance of car repairs being needed.         
• Check When Cold: Tire pressure readings are most accurate when the tires are cold (driven for less than a mile).
• Follow Manufacturer's Recommendations: Refer to your vehicle's manual or the tire placard for the recommended tire pressure.    
• Check Spare Tire: Don't forget to check the spare tire periodically. It's often overlooked but crucial in emergencies.

Maintaining proper tire pressure is a simple yet critical aspect of your car servicing and maintenance . Regular checks and timely adjustments can enhance your driving experience, ensure safety, and contribute to the longevity of your tires.

Make it a habit to monitor your tire pressure along side checking your oil level, and you'll reap the benefits in terms of fuel efficiency, cost savings, and road safety.