Check tyre pressure

HOW TO CHECK YOUR TYRE PRESSURE AND AVOID DISASTER

An essential part of regular vehicle maintenance includes checking your tyre pressure. It is such a simple task; however, it is one of the most neglected. Forgetting to check your tyre pressure can result in added expenses at the gas station, even more money at the tyre repair shop, and if that is not enough; you risk a tyre blowout, which not only means you will have to purchase a new or used tyre but it could potentially cause an accident. Albany Tyres has put together this helpful guide on how to check your tyre pressure and avoid disaster.

>underinflated tyre

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS WITH UNDERINFLATED TYRES

Low tyre pressure affects:
• Fuel Efficiency
• Handling
• SAFETY
Basically, low tyre pressure causes major wear and tear on the outer edges of the tread. It requires more energy to turn the wheel, so you are using up more fuel. Underinflated tyres are the number one cause of cracks or punctures which leads to blowouts and accidents.

PROPER PROCEDURE

• Don’t wait until your tyre is visibly low on air
• Make it a monthly habit to check your tyre pressure

Tyre pressure is affected by seasonal temperature changes and other factors. Different cars require different tyre pressure and the front and rear tyres can vary as well.

FIND THE CORRECT TYRE PRESSURE

• Check the inside of the passenger or driver’s door
• Look for a number followed by PSI
• Look in your vehicle handbook or online

CHECK THE PRESSURE

• Know the recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle
• Digital gauges provide an accurate reading
• Check pressure when tyres are cold
• Tyres take a half an hour to cool down after being on the road
• Do Not Overinflate!

overinflated tyre

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS WITH OVERINFLATING

Over-inflated tyres can lead to:
• Tread wearing out in the centre of the tyre
• Tyres overheat and lose their grip on the road
• Inability to take a sharp corner or stop
• Blowout…Accident!

Simply let out the excess air with the small protrusion on the back of the head of the pressure gauge against the metal pin inside the tyre’s valve stem. Keep letting out a little at a time, and rechecking until the pressure is correct. Proper tyre pressure and regular vehicle maintenance can save you from added expenses and potential disasters.

nitrogen for tyres.

NITROGEN FOR TYRES

Albany Tyres now offers nitrogen for tyres, the latest advancement in car performance technology. You can extend your tyre life by maintaining proper inflation levels. If you fill your tyres with compressed air, this has to be maintained every month to effectively optimise car performance.

Nitrogen for tyres greatly decreases the natural rate of pressure loss, keeping your tyres inflated at favourable levels for longer. This works due to nitrogen molecules being larger than oxygen, meaning nitrogen is less able to leak through the rubber in your car tyres. So nitrogen for tyres benefits your car performance and tyre life in a number of ways, including:

Increased tyre life by up to 30%
Improved fuel economy
Up to 50% less risk of tyre failure
Enhanced handling and braking
No tyre oxidation or interior wheel corrosion
Safety-Nitrogen is non-combustible
Keep yourself safe on the road and get your car serviced today at Albany Tyres!