Tyre pressure is a very important parameter – it impacts traction, braking distance, fuel efficiency, tyre’s external rolling noise and its durability. Unfortunately, according to a study conducted by Moto Data up to 58% of drivers check tyre pressure too rarely[1]. All new vehicles homologated after November 2014 must be equipped with TPMS[2] – tyre pressure monitoring system, which continuously monitors the value and possible drops of this parameter. PTIA recommends that even in such cars drivers still check the tyre pressure – regardless of the sensor readouts.
– Correct tyre pressure considerably reduces the risk of faster tyre wear or tyre burst, but also shortens braking distance and improves fuel efficiency. Even if our car has TPMS, we should still check the tyre pressure – regardless of the sensor readouts. The monitoring device could be faulty – and we, thinking that our tyre pressure is correct, could drive for hundreds of kilometres on a highway with an unroadworthy tyre. As a result of overheating, which then occurs, the tyre will burst while driving – notes Piotr Sarnecki, Director General of Polish Tyre Industry Association (PTIA).
The consequences of low tyre pressure are:
Loss of tyre pressure can have various causes - the most common reasons are mechanical damage by a road and damage to the rubber compound caused by improper storing. Sometimes is caused by a damaged sidewall of a rim – for example corroded sidewall – which prevents the tyre bead from adhering well and sealing the surface.
– Pressure that is lower even by 0,5 bar in relation to the value recommended by the manufacturer makes the braking distance up to 4 meters longer. This is the length of a small car. Tyre pressure value is a very important parameter. It is a shame that there are still many drivers who forget about it. Even the best car – with perfect modern systems – might not guarantee safety if we don’t take care of tyres. It is the wheel that provides the sensors with majority of information about the vehicle movement. We appeal to every driver – let’s not forget about monitoring tyre pressure. Checking it at least once a month should be a habit – just like refuelling or refilling windscreen washer, especially when we have increasingly better roads, on which we travel faster – Piotr Sarnecki points out.
The correct tyre pressure and the proper tread depth also help to avoid a dangerous phenomenon of aquaplaning, which may occur especially during heavy rains in the autumn. Aquaplaning happens when a layer of water builds between the road surface and the tyre, making the car lose traction and start skidding. Tyres with the right pressure and the recommended tread depth along with the driving speed adjusted to road conditions are all decisive factors in avoiding the risk of aquaplaning.
What every driver should know:
Good automobile repair shop is the key to success
Tyres equipped with pressure sensors may require different procedures from tyre fitters. Only repair shops which own the right tools can replace such tyres. They should also be able to assess the reason for the damage to the components of the pressure sensor, know the specifications of the various TPMS systems installed in cars and know how to service them in the scope of assembly and loading the calibration data into the system. By applying these basic principles of working with TPMS, the mechanics will not expose them to damage.
– It is not worth risking tyre damage and deterioration of pressure sensors by driving to random, often only seasonal car repair shops. Good shops will professionally perform a replacement service of tyres with pressure sensors. The shops reputation is of particular importance for runflat tyres that require the right tools. The TPMS system is a great invention, but it will be helpful to the driver only if it is not damaged by, for example, unprofessional mechanics – adds Piotr Sarnecki.
[1] Moto Data 2017 - Panel of car users
[2] A regulation introducing the requirement to equip each new car sold in the European Union with the TPMS system came into force in November 2014
Source: Polish Tyre Industry Association