The importance of proper tire pressure

Insufficient tire pressure in your vehicle can have various consequences. In any case, it could have a negative impact on your finances and your safety.

The first thing to do is to find out the optimum pressure recommended for your car. This is indicated on a sticker on the inside of the driver's door. Otherwise, you can also find it in the glove compartment, the gas cap or in the owner's manual. Generally speaking, the pressure is around 35 psi (pound-force per square inch). This pressure is calculated in relation to the weight of your vehicle and its characteristics in order to give the best possible performance in terms of stability, load capacity, handling and fuel consumption.

How to take the pressure of your tires?
It is important to take the pressure reading when the vehicle has been driven little or not at all. Otherwise, the reading could be wrong.

• Remove the cap on the inflation valve of each wheel.
• Insert the indicator on top of the valve, pressing firmly. If the indicator is not positioned correctly, you will hear a hissing sound of air escaping. When properly seated, you will see the air pressure in the tire on the gauge.
• Check that the pressure indicated corresponds to the recommended pressure. If not, don't hesitate to go to the nearest gas station to inflate your tires with the on-site compressor.
• For overinflated tires, simply use one of the parts of the indicator (usually a small integrated rod) to press on the valve spring and let the excess air out.
• If your tires are inflated with nitrogen, add nitrogen, not air (except in an emergency), so you don't lose the benefits of its use.

The benefits of proper tire pressure should not be underestimated. An under-inflated tire makes driving unstable and can explode if it overheats. In addition, it increases fuel consumption and greatly reduces the life of the tire.

An overinflated tire, on the other hand, grips the road less well, affecting handling, and potentially accelerating the wear of the steering parts and the tires themselves.

A monthly check of your tire pressure is all you need to avoid all these inconveniences!