Keeping the tires inflated at the correct levels is one of the simplest yet most important activities for every car owner. Correct inflation not only ensures smoother and safer driving but also contributes to fuel efficiency and tire longevity. Yet, the majority of drivers make mistakes when inflating tires without even realizing it. Whether you’re pumping tyres with a tyre pump or reading pressure with a digital tire pressure gauge, being aware of the things not to do can save you time, money, and stress.
Keep reading to find out the most prevalent tire inflation mistakes and tips on how to do it correctly for a smoother, safer ride.
1. Failure to Take Tire Pressure Readings Frequently
One of the biggest mistakes is simply not maintaining tire pressure often enough. Tires will slowly leak air over time, losing 1-2 psi every month, and extreme temperature fluctuations can cause pressure to increase and decrease. Waiting too long between checks can have you driving on low-pressure tires and never even knowing it.
With a digital pressure gauge, it’s quick and accurate. Unlike analogue gauges that provide you with less-than-accurate readings that involve guessing, digital gauges provide you with clear, readable readings, and you can detect issues early on. It’s recommended to check your tire pressure monthly and before taking long journeys.
2. Inflating Tires When They’re Hot
Most of the drivers inflate and inspect tires shortly after driving, when tires are hot due to road friction. Hot tires expand and show a higher pressure than when they cool down. Inflating based on hot readings can cause overinflation once the tires return to normal temperature.
For accurate measurement, check tire pressure only when tires are cold, ideally after parking for three hours or more. That will ensure the pressure is neither too high nor too low.
3. Employing a Defective Pressure Gauge
Using worn-out or defective gauges results in poor inflation procedures. Cheap or defective gauges may provide you with inaccurate readings, and thus, tires may be under-inflated or over-inflated.
A quality Digital tire pressure gauge is worth the price. Digital tire pressure gauges provide accurate, consistent measurement and often boast large, clear backlit faces. They remove guesswork and enable you to have the best tire pressure every time.
4. Overinflating Tires
Some drivers think that over-inflation of tires will make the gas mileage better or prevent flats, but it is actually very dangerous. The tires get less grip on the road, resulting in less traction, bad rides, and increased wear in the centre of the tread.
Using a Car tire inflator with a built-in pressure gauge helps you avoid this mistake by offering precise control during inflation.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these tire inflation mistakes is easier than you think, and it gets even easier with you having the right equipment, like a car tire inflator and digital tire pressure gauge from a trusted brand like Rayteen, to make it all simpler. Frequent, precise checks improve your car safety, lower your fuel consumption, and conserve tires.