Correct tyre pressure ensures that tyres wear evenly and that you drive more comfortably, cleanly and safely. Every year, 55.6 million tyres are lost in Europe due to incorrect pressure.
Why is tyre pressure so important?
A good tyre pressure has a lot of benefits, such as:
- Safety: correctly inflated tyres give you better car control, optimises performance and steering stability, and it shortens braking distances. Correct inflation pressure contributes to longer tyre life and prevents sudden air loss.
- Savings: the right pressure helps minimise tyre wear and save fuel. This can make a difference of up to two fuel changes in a year.
- Environment: an underinflated tyre increases fuel consumption and therefore CO2 emissions.
- Comfort: you drive more pleasantly.
How often should I check the pressure of my tyres?
Check the tyre pressure at least once a month. Do this while the tyres are cold, because in a warm tyre the air pressure rises automatically, - warm air expands, in fact - so the measurement cannot be clean. For example, always check tyre pressure before going on a long drive.
What happens if my tyres are overinflated?
The tyres are then less able to absorb the impact of potholes and other uneven road surfaces, and they have less contact with the road. You will notice this, for example, in the comfort of your car. The tyres may also wear unevenly and the tyre may be damaged unnecessarily.
What happens if my tyres are underinflated?
Friction creates heat, which can cause the temperature inside the tyre to rise sharply, weakening the casing and causing internal damage. The tyre will wear much faster, driving your car will become more difficult and you may even lose control of the car.
How do I know the right tyre pressure?
To find out the correct tyre pressure for your car, look in the instruction booklet or look for a plate on the inside of a door, in the glove compartment or on the inside of the fuel tank lid. This will clearly indicate the correct pressure for different operating conditions. Remember that the tyre pressure should be higher if the vehicle is more heavily loaded. If in doubt, feel free to drive by a First Stop branch.
Is filling the tyres with nitrogen recommended?
Nitrogen differs from ordinary air because it changes volume less due to temperature fluctuations and because it has larger molecules. This makes it harder for the molecules to escape from the tyre. Filling with nitrogen has the following advantages:
- Safety: the tyre has a constant pressure and there is less chance of a blowout.
- Costs: you consume less fuel and the tyres last longer.
