It is extremely important to maintain the tyre pressure of your car to ensure the car drives safely and efficiently at all times. Steering, handling and overall driving will be much more controllable and reliable with the correct tyre pressure. Your car’s tyres should be checked regularly for their air pressure, along with general checks, such as wear and tear. Peninsula Auto Clinic offers our tyre repair and replacement services for the entire Northern Beaches where we will work with tyre pressure, repairs, wheel alignment and other important tyre tasks.
The tyre pressure should be checked every two-four weeks when they are cold. Using a tyre pressure gauge is the more efficient and inexpensive way to accurately measure the pressure levels. The owner’s manual or inside the car door is where the pressure reading will often be located. If the pressure is too low or too high, adding or removing air to the correct pressure is important.
How Do I Check Tyre Pressure?
Tyre pressure gauges are the recommended tool used to measure the pressure of each tyre. Purchasing one with an air hose will also be beneficial when there needs to be more air added. The front and rear tyres will have different pressure levels and these will be found in the car door or in the owner’s manual. It is also important to try and read the tyre pressure when the tyres are cold.
The main methods to check the tyre pressure are:
- Make to read and understand what the correct tyre pressure is listed in the tyre placard
- Unscrew the cap that is located on the air valve on the tyre
- Connect the tyre pressure gauge by pushing it onto the tyre valve
- Reading the numbers to determine what the tyre pressure is
- If the pressure is lower than it should, attach the air hose onto the air valve. Add some air to increase the tyre pressure and as the pressure increases read the gauge to ensure there is enough pressure
- Remove the gauge and air hose and screw back on the cap
How Do I Know if My Tyres are Flat, Damaged or Have No Pressure?
There are many signs to look for that will indicate your tyres are worn out and in need repairs or replacements:
- Underinflated Tyres – when braking distance has increased, t, there is increased fuel consumption and there is more tread in the middle of the tyres than the outside then the tyres could be underinflated.
- Overinflated Tyres – when the braking and steering performance has been negatively impacted or the car ride is bumpier then the tyres could be overinflated.
- Poor Alignment – if the tyres are unaligned then the car will often be less stable when driving and the tyres wear more easily as well as fuel is consumed more.
- Rubbery Smells – if there are rubbery smells that occur frequently when the tyres make contact with the road then the tyres might be worn.
- Squeaky Tyres – when the tyres squeak this can be from a number of factors, including poor tyre pressure.
How Can I Understand the Numbers and Letters on the Tyre?
The numbers and letters that are listed on the tyre are there to indicate multiple factors. From the tyre’s size to how much weight it can handle, it is a good idea to know how to read this information.
The example below describes what each number and letter indicates, with P 195/60R15 94H being the example:
- P – P indicates that the car is a passenger car, including a light vehicle (LT), motorcycle (M) or temporary (T)
- 195 – this number describes what the width of the tyre is in millimetres
- 60 – this number is what the aspect ratio of the tyre is. This means how tall the side of the tyre is compared to the width and is listed as a percentage
- R – radial is the orientation of the cord piles which are what position the tyre. Modern cars may have diagonals which will be listed with a D
- 15 – this number simply describes the wheel diameter in inches
- 94 – this number conveys the load resistance of the tyres. This means the rates of how much or the maximum weight or loads the tyres can handle. Inside the owner’s manual, often in the glove box, it will also say the minimum load which replacement tyres need to meet
- H – this describes the tyre’s speed rating and the maximum speed it can reach
Why Should I Rotate My Tyres Regularly?
Rotating the tyres is performed by a mechanic where they will ensure the tyres and wheels are balanced and positioned properly. This will help limit the chance of the tyre incorrectly wearing that could lead to under, over or poor alignment.
To know the difference between tyre balancing and tyre aligning we highly recommend reading our blog that goes into more details.
Trusted Mechanics with Tyre Pressure Services
Peninsula Auto Clinic offers our tyre pressure and other tyre services to the locals of the Northern Beaches. With over 25 years of experience, our fully qualified mechanics know how to work with any car and tyre and ensure the pressure is correct. We will repair, inspect, align and perform multiple other services on tyres when needed as well.
The tyre services, along with our Car Repair and Car Service jobs, are here for the whole Northern Beaches, including Collaroy, Narrabeen and Whale Beach residents. Located on 7 Perak Street, Mona Vale, Peninsula Auto Clinic is always the best place to receive tyre repairs, replacement and other services!
