![]() The 4 PSI Rule Applies to Bitumen Road Use OnlyĪs a rule, the following can be used (for road use only): For passenger tyres, inflate your cold tyres to the recommended tyre pressure on your vehicle’s tyre placard*. Wear Patterns of an Under-Inflated, properly inflated and Over-Inflated Tyre This could mean the difference between an empty tray in a UTE vs. For harsher road surfaces, a lower pressure with lower speed may be needed to avoid tyre damage. The important thing to remember is that as load increases, you will need to increase pressure but never exceed the maximum pressure stamped on the tyre’s sidewall. The proper inflation level is dependent on many factors such as what tyres you have, type of vehicle, amount of load, how the vehicle is being driven and condition of the road, to name a few. There is no universal “right” pressure for all tyres. Important Factors When Selecting Tyre Pressures Overinflation also causes tyres to wear in the centre of the tyre’s tread, which will reduce the tread life higher inflated tyres will also give you a much harsher ride. If your tyres are over-inflated by as little as 6 psi, they could be damaged more easily when driving over potholes or debris on the road. You should also be aware that the load capacity of your tyres is reduced at lower pressures. While 6 psi doesn’t seem excessively low, remember, it usually represents about 20% of the tyre’s recommended pressure. You would also find a significant loss of steering precision and cornering stability. Also, low pressures increase rolling resistance and cause a reduction in fuel economy. Lower inflation pressure allows the tyre to flex more as it rolls, causing internal heat to build up, which could lead to tyre failure. Additionally, the tyre’s tread life could be reduced significantly with tyres wearing more on the outside shoulders. If your vehicle’s tyres are under-inflated by as little as 6 psi, it could lead to tyre damage. Instead, use a reliable tyre pressure gauge. Don’t try to “eyeball” the pressure – a tyre can lose half its pressure without looking flat. It’s essential to be accurate when inflating your tyres. Only “bleed” or reduce air pressure from a hot tyre when you need to lower pressures to drive on particular terrain but remember to re-inflate your tyres when you reach your destination or return to terrain that requires higher pressure. Ideally, tyre pressure should be measured when tyres are cold, that is, before doing any driving on tyres. You should check your tyre’s pressure at least once a month, before each trip, and each morning you drive during a trip. Failure to maintain correct tyre pressures may result in fast and uneven treadwear, improper vehicle handling, and excessive heat build-up, resulting in tyre failure. ![]() One of the simplest – and most important – things you can do to keep your tyres in good shape is to make sure that they are correctly inflated. ![]()
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