After the health crisis due to coronavirus, many Spaniards will choose to spend their summer vacations within the peninsula. So if you plan to travel by car to another city to enjoy your days off with family or friends, it is essential that you take care of and previously check the tires of your vehicle, since they are the only contact element between the car and the highway. As the Race explains, you must bear in mind that correct tire pressure is very important to obtain a balance between fuel consumption, ride comfort, and braking safety; especially if you take the car with all the seats occupied. Next, we give you a series of tips on how you should check the tire pressure of your vehicle and you can buy used car in NZ from Auto for Trade so that you do not suffer any setbacks on the road during your holidays.
First of all, you should know that there is no single generalized pressure for all vehicles since each manufacturer recommends a different tire pressure. However, according to Juan Manuel Garcia Llorente, an expert in Race mechanics, if a tire has a pressure between 2 and 2.5 bars, it is true that it will be within a normal inflation range. In any case, to know exactly what the correct pressure for your car’s tires is, it is best to consult the reference sticker of the vehicle, which is usually on the driver’s door or on the fuel tank cap. This sticker indicates the pressures recommended by the manufacturer, whether the vehicle is empty or fully loaded. In case you cannot find the sticker, you can also refer to the vehicle manual to obtain this information.
Normally, the pressure of the front axle tires will be different from the pressure of the rear axle, especially when the car is full. You should also bear in mind that the pressure varies depending on the size of the wheel you have since cars can have more than one type of wheel mounted.
HOW TO CHECK A TIRE PRESSURE
Tire pressure is checked using a pressure gauge, so if you don’t have one at home, you should find a gas station that has one. It is important that you check the pressure when cold, since as you drive, the wheel rubs against the asphalt, causing the tire to heat up and expand. This can give you false data on the gauge with an error of up to 100 mill bars. Therefore, it is important that you check the pressure before starting the trip and not during it.
As we have commented previously, you should consult the reference sticker of your vehicle to know if you should inflate the tires more. As a general rule, on the pressure gauge you should pay attention to the pressure bars, which must be among the measures recommended by the manufacturer. By the way, don’t forget to check the pressure of the spare wheel, which is designed to run at a maximum speed of 80 kilometers per hour and with an inflation pressure of between 3.5 and 4.5 bars. In any case, on the flank of the wheel you can see what its correct pressure is.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I OVER INFLATE THE TIRES?
If you inflate the wheels a few mill bars more than it touches, you will reduce the contact surface of the tire with the asphalt, which will cause the tire to wear more through the center and decrease the grip. In addition, you will also be reducing safety when braking, since there will be less surface contact with the ground.
On the other hand, if you go too far with the pressure, the tires may suffer deformation and even a blowout. So it is not advisable to put more pressure than recommended by the manufacturer in the tires. Remember that the wheels are engraved on the sidewall the maximum inflation pressure they can withstand, so never exceed that measurement.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I INFLATE THE TIRES LESS THAN IT TOUCHES?
Inflating the tires below the pressure recommended by the manufacturer is not recommended either, since the tread will have more friction with the ground and will wear out faster, especially on the sidewalls. In addition, you will notice the heavier steering when controlling the car and an increase in fuel consumption. Undoubtedly, the most advisable thing is to always comply with the measures recommended by the manufacturer to avoid an unexpected scare and to be able to enjoy the summer holidays without any setback.