Car tyre pressure: Everything you need to know

The importance of maintaining the correct car tyre pressure cannot be overstated. Not only does it affect your car’s handling and performance, but it can also impact your safety on the road. In this article, we’ll examine car tyre air pressure, explore why it’s so important, and how to ensure your car’s tyres are correctly inflated for optimum performance and safety.

What is car tyre pressure?

Car tyre pressure is the volume of air that your car tyres contain. This pressure is measured in Pounds per Square Inch (PSI). The correct tyre pressure varies depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the size of your tyres. It is important to always follow the recommended tyre pressure in your car's owner manual.

Why is proper car tyre pressure important?

There are several reasons why maintaining proper car tyre pressure is important. First and foremost, it ensures your safety on the road. Tyres with low pressure can cause poor car handling, leading to accidents, and overinflated tyres can be just as dangerous as underinflated ones. Maintaining proper tyre pressure also extends your tyres' life, saving you money in the long run. Underinflated tyres wear out faster, while overinflated tyres wear out in the centre of the tread.

How to check car tyre pressure

To determine your car’s tyre pressure, you require a tyre pressure gauge. You can purchase one at any auto parts store or online. Follow these steps to check the air pressure.

1. Park your car on a level surface and turn off the engine.

2. Locate the tyre pressure information sticker in your car (usually in the driver's door jamb or the glove compartment).

3. Press the tyre pressure gauge onto the valve stem and hold it firmly until the gauge reading stops moving.

4. Note the reading on the gauge and compare it to the recommended tyre pressure in your car's owner's manual.

5. If the pressure is too high or too low, add or release air from the tyre until it reaches the correct pressure.

How to check car tyre air pressure without a gauge

Here are ways to check your car's tyre air pressure without a gauge.

• Hand pressure: Push your hand down on the tyre. If it seems soft and spongy, then the air pressure is low. The car tyre air pressure is high if you cannot push down even a little bit.

• Use your eyes: From a distance, watch the tyres from all angles. If there is a slump, then the tyre is underinflated.

• Place a heavy object on the tyre: When you place a heavy object on the tyre, it should be able to take the weight. However, if there is a slump, then the tyre is underinflated.

How to maintain car tyre pressure

Maintaining proper car tyre pressure is simple and easy. We recommend checking your tyre pressure once a month and before long road trips. If your car has been sitting for an extended period, such as during a vacation, you should also check the tyre pressure before driving. In addition to regular checks, you should also visually inspect your tyres for signs of damage or wear. If you notice any bulges, cracks, or cuts, take your car to a professional mechanic for inspection.

What is the right car tyre pressure?

Tyre pressure is one of those things we often overlook when it comes to car maintenance, but it's incredibly important. The right tyre pressure can improve your car's handling, increase fuel efficiency, and even extend the life of your tyres. So, what is the right tyre pressure for your car? Well, the answer to that question depends on a few factors. Firstly, you must consult your car's owner's manual to determine the recommended tyre pressure. This information can also be found on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb. The recommended tyre pressure can vary depending on the size and type of tyres you have on your car, so it's important to double-check that you have the right information for your specific vehicle. Additionally, you should check your tyre pressure regularly, at least once a month, and before long journeys, as temperature changes can affect your tyre pressure.

Tyre air pressure chart of Indian cars

Here is the car tyre air pressure chart of some of the popular cars in India. Please check the owner’s manual for the recommended air pressure for your car tyres.

Maruti Suzuki car tyre pressure chart

Hyundai car tyre pressure chart

Tata car tyre pressure chart

Mahindra car tyre pressure chart

Honda car tyre pressure chart

Renault car tyre pressure chart

Nissan car tyre pressure chart

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about car tyre pressure.

What is the correct car tyre pressure?

The correct car tyre air pressure depends on the make and model of the vehicle. Please check the owner’s manual for the right air pressure recommended for your car.

Why does the air pressure decrease in parked cars?

The tyre, made of rubber, is porous, and air molecules can make their way through the rubber slowly over a period of time, especially in parked cars.

What happens if the car tyre pressure is too high or low?

When a car tyre is inflated with a higher volume of air, there is a smaller area of contact with the road, resulting in the loss of traction and uneven wear and tear. If the tyre pressure is too low, the tyre’s sidewall flexes more, and heat builds up inside the tyre. Overheating of the car’s tyre can lead to a blowout. Ensure you fill your vehicle's recommended car tyre air pressure for the right results.

Which is better? Third-party Car Insurance Policy or Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy?

Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy offers wide-ranging benefits, including coverage for third-party liabilities and damages to the vehicle. Additionally, you can include add-on covers to enhance the coverage, making it the ideal car insurance for your vehicle.

When should I fill the tyres with more air pressure?

Increasing the air pressure of your car tyres beyond the manufacturer’s recommendation can harm the tyres by wearing them out faster. Car tyre pressure is typically increased when carrying a heavy load. However, manufacturers provide the required increase in air pressure through the owner’s manual so that you can increase or decrease the air pressure based on the load.

Are tyre pressure for tube and tubeless tyres different?

Typically, there is no difference in the air pressure between tube and tubeless tyres. The manufacturer specifies the recommended tyre air pressure for the car; however, there might be a slight difference, but it is not significant.

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on industry experience and several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please go through the applicable policy wordings for updated ACKO-centric content, and before making any insurance-related decisions.