Tyres 2 - Safe Air Pressure

How much air should I put in my tyres?

I was a driver for many years and I would rely on the Gas Station Attendant to put air in my tyres. I  was never sure of the Psi requirement, so I'm quite sure I may have driven my car with under-inflated and over-inflated tyres. Until one day I took the car to service and the Technician asked "how much air do you put in the tyres?". I was clueless. But then he showed me what to check for.

• This image can be found on the rear part of your door frame (driver's side). In the table above which shows your maximum tyre rating , you will utilize the upper part, more so since our legal speed limit is 100km/h. I don't think any of us drag race in Wallerfield or work for Team Mc Laren😉.  For those who love technical jargon, the table is called a tyre placard.

• Never use the maximum psi that your car tyres can take. This is found in black writing on each tyre above the rim. For my vehicle its 40 psi, that information just indicates how much air the tyre can hold. The rating table above shows the requirement for your vehicle based on manufacturer's specifications,  which is for the safety of you and your passengers. We all know that a balloon can be inflated within an inch of its capacity...but not too long after "pop goes the weasel".💣

• For my vehicle, which is front end loaded, the safe psi for the front tyres are 32 and for the rear tyres 30 psi. In some vehicles the tyres take the same psi.

• Its dangerous  to over-inflate tyres. In local parlance you may hear someone say "you put too much air in the tyre it could buss". Have you ever wondered what that really means? Well, I'm about to tell you. If you drive on tyres that are over-inflated, the treads on your tyres experience adverse wear and tear (more contact made with the asphalt and the centre of the tyres). You will have a rough, rocky or bumpy ride. This can spell trouble and serious expense for you - suspension, shocks and stability rubbers.....if this is a constant practice and other vehicle maintenance requirements are not adhered to.

• Worst case scenario, based on speed, cargo and passenger load and over-inflation, tyres can overheat and burst....aka " a blowout" which is highly unsafe and scary.

• Similar problems occur with under-inflated tyres

• I CAN'T OVER-STRESS DON'T FORGET YOUR SPARE IN THE TRUNK IT NEEDS LOVE TOO.