Tire Inflation Pressure

Tire inflation pressure has a major impact on your tires’ safety, performance, life expectancy, wear, handling and even your vehicle’s fuel consumption. Unlike what a lot of people think, reduced tire pressure does not enhance grip. On the contrary, insufficient pressure may increase friction, overheat your tires and cause sudden rupture, which may prove dangerous. Insufficient pressure adds extra weight that may damage the tires. Excessive tire pressure makes the tires vulnerable to damage caused by roadway defects. The tire pressure recommended by the manufacturer is indicated in the vehicle owner’s manual or on the label affixed on the door pillar on the driver’s side. The maximum pressure specified on the tire’s sidewall should also be observed.

Tires can lose up to 2 psi per month in normal use conditions, plus 1 psi for each drop in temperature of 6ºC. Do not rely only on visual inspection: it is preferable to acquire a quality tire pressure gauge. For optimum performance, check the tire pressures—including the spare wheel—once each month, before a long trip and before transporting a heavy load. In order to be accurate, this check should be done when the tires are cold.

Check with your UNIPNEU Dealer for more information.

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