Maintaining proper tyre pressure is essential for vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, and tyre longevity. One of the easiest ways to ensure that your tyres are properly inflated is by using a tyre pressure gauge.

However, many vehicle owners unknowingly make mistakes when using these handy tools, leading to inaccurate readings and potential issues on the road.

1. Using an Inaccurate or Low-Quality Gauge

One of the most common mistakes when checking tyre pressure is using a gauge that isn’t reliable or accurate. Not all tyre pressure gauges are created equal, and using a low-quality gauge can lead to inaccurate readings.

Why It’s a Problem:

Inaccurate readings can lead to under- or over-inflated tires, both of which have negative consequences. Under-inflated tires cause increased wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and poor handling, while over-inflated tires reduce grip on the road and increase the risk of a blowout.

How to Avoid It:

Invest in a good-quality tyre pressure gauge, preferably one from a trusted brand. Analog (dial) gauges, digital gauges, and stick gauges all have their pros and cons, but higher-end models are generally more reliable. Regularly calibrating or replacing the gauge also helps ensure accuracy over time.

2. Checking Tire Pressure When Tyres Are Hot

Many drivers make the mistake of checking their tire pressure right after driving, when the tyres are still warm. Tyre pressure naturally increases as the tires heat up during driving, which can give you a false reading.

Why It’s a Problem:

Tire pressure should be measured when the tires are cold. Hot tyres will show a higher pressure than they would when cold, leading to potential under-inflation when you compensate for the extra pressure.

How to Avoid It:

Check your tyre pressure when the tires are cold—typically after the car has been parked for a few hours or first thing in the morning before driving. If you need to check tire pressure while on the road, allow your tires to cool down for at least 30 minutes before taking a reading.

3. Not Knowing the Recommended Tire Pressure

Another common mistake is not knowing the correct tire pressure for your vehicle. Some drivers assume that the maximum pressure listed on the tire sidewall is the recommended pressure, but this is a misconception.

Why It’s a Problem:

Using the maximum pressure listed on the tire could lead to over-inflation, which reduces traction and increases the likelihood of a blowout. Similarly, guessing or relying on incorrect information can result in under-inflation, affecting tire performance and lifespan.

How to Avoid It:

The recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle can usually be found in your vehicle’s manual or on a sticker located inside the driver’s side door jamb.

This pressure is optimized for the weight and specifications of your vehicle, ensuring the best performance and safety. Be sure to follow these recommendations and avoid relying on tire sidewall markings.

4. Not Accounting for Seasonal Temperature Changes

Temperature changes, especially between seasons, have a significant impact on tire pressure. For example, a drop in temperature can lead to a decrease in tyre pressure, while warmer temperatures cause an increase.

Many drivers fail to adjust their tire pressure for these seasonal changes, which can result in under- or over-inflation.

Why It’s a Problem:

Failing to adjust for seasonal temperature changes can lead to poor tire performance, decreased fuel efficiency, and uneven tire wear. Cold temperatures, in particular, can cause your tires to become under-inflated, putting you at risk for flats or blowouts.

How to Avoid It:

Regularly check your tire pressure as the seasons change, particularly during the transition from summer to winter and vice versa. A good rule of thumb is that for every 10°F drop in temperature, your tires can lose about 1 PSI (pound per square inch) of pressure. Make necessary adjustments to maintain the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle.

5. Improper Technique When Using the Gauge

Even if you have a high-quality gauge and know your vehicle’s recommended pressure, improper technique can still result in inaccurate readings. Many people don’t apply the tire pressure gauge correctly, leading to faulty measurements.

Why It’s a Problem:

If you don’t place the gauge squarely on the valve stem, you may hear a hissing sound as air escapes, or you may get an incorrect reading. This could result in you either adding or removing too much air from your tires.

How to Avoid It:

To get an accurate reading, make sure the tire valve is clean and free of dirt or debris before using the gauge.

Hold the gauge perpendicular to the valve stem and apply it firmly to avoid air leakage. Wait for the gauge to provide a stable reading before removing it. With practice, you’ll be able to take precise measurements quickly and easily.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget the Spare Tyre

Many drivers forget to check the pressure in their spare tire. While the spare may not be in use, it’s crucial to ensure its properly inflated in case of an emergency. A flat spare tire can leave you stranded.

Why It’s a Problem:

If your spare tire isn’t inflated to the correct pressure, it won’t be useful when you need it most. Driving on an under-inflated or flat spare tire is unsafe and can cause further damage.

How to Avoid It:

When checking the pressure of your four main tires, take a moment to check your spare tire as well. Make sure it’s inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. This small step can save you a lot of trouble in an emergency situation.

Conclusion

Tyre pressure gauges are essential tools for keeping your vehicle’s tyres properly inflated and in optimal condition. However, common mistakes such as using an inaccurate gauge, checking pressure when tires are hot, or failing to account for seasonal changes can lead to inaccurate readings and improper inflation.

By avoiding these top five mistakes and following the correct procedures for using a tyre pressure gauge, you can ensure that your tires are properly inflated, enhancing safety, improving fuel efficiency, and extending the life of your tyres. Regular tyre pressure checks should be a key part of your vehicle maintenance routine to keep you driving safely and smoothly.

For more posts, Click Here