Maneuverability, fuel consumption and driving safety determine not only the skill of the driver, the technical capabilities of the engine and chassis, but also the tire pressure. The ability to “keep” the road depends on tires, as well as your safety. Maintaining optimum pressure in the wheels is a guarantee of trouble-free driving on any road and in any weather conditions.
Auto manufacturers in the operating instructions indicate the permissible tire pressure of the vehicle at which the vehicle should be used. These indicators are determined by the size of the tires installed on the car, and the motorist must adhere to the specified parameters.
When to check tire pressure?
First of all, the pressure should be checked with sudden changes in temperature. In wheels with parameters 185/65/13, the optimal pressure is 2.0 atm at a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. Lowering the air temperature by 10-20 degrees leads to a drop in pressure to 1.5-1.7 atm. Reduced pressure in the tires of the car increases fuel consumption by 15-30%, worsens the controllability of the car and accelerates the process of tire wear. At the beginning of the seasonal temperature difference, when the thermometer during the day captures the temperature from -5 to + 5, it is already necessary to pay attention to the pressure in the tires and take measures to normalize it.
Secondly, the tire pressure is checked with increasing loads on the car. For example, when transporting a large number of passengers or goods, the mass of which exceeds the capabilities of the car. Recommended 2.0 atm (for tire size 185/65/13) will turn into 2.8-3.0 atm. Such indicators will worsen the tread adhesion to the road surface, which will lead to poor vehicle handling, increase fuel consumption and stopping distance by 1.5 times, naturally, such tire pressure will shorten their service life.
Pressure monitoring option or pressure gauge
Since 2012, cars with tire pressure sensors (manometers) began to go on sale in the European Union, and this is no longer an optional device, but functional and mandatory on all new cars. The mechanism informs the driver about the need to change the pressure up or down. You can independently install such a sensor, informing you of the tire pressure indicators. This device is suitable for those who travel long distances.
What is the tire pressure? Such a question should be asked by any car enthusiast before each trip. If you drive small kilometers in a year, use inexpensive portable pneumatic or digital pressure gauges. With these devices, you can always independently check tire pressure.
In a car, each system requires constant monitoring by the driver. Tire pressure is not a small thing, ignoring the condition of the rubber leads to financial costs for fuel and wheel repair, and may also call into question the safety of driving in a car. Therefore, it is so important to systematically verify and correct it.