Having and maintaining correct inflated tyres are essential
for the safety of drivers/occupants and the general performance of a vehicle. Tyre
over the years has been an integral part of any functioning vehicle, and its
functions are enormous, as they range from keeping a car moving smoothly, to
bearing/absorbing of different shocks on highways. It also supports the weight
of the vehicle, enables effective braking and acceleration, and maintains normal
steering ability.
Drivers with correct inflated tyres
fixed to their vehicles enjoy the following:
EFFICIENT
FUEL CONSUMPTION: vehicles with under-inflated tyres need more
energy to move and the result of this is, consumption of more fuel. But in a
case where they are properly inflated, turning/moving tends to be the least of the
issues and this leads to efficient usage of fuel. Imagine riding a bicycle with
an underinflated tyre, this takes more of your energy for it to be ridden from
point A to B.
DECREASE
IN TYRE WEAR: an under-inflated tyre will have the two outer edges
of the tread width come in contact with road surface and this leads to rapid
wear on the shoulders of the tyres and reduced tyre life. But when tyres are
correctly inflated the only parts expected to have contact with road surface
would be even across thread width and this reduces cost of frequent
replacement.
REDUCTION
IN SAFETY RISKS: a driver with proper inflated tyres fixed to
his car will have no problem in handling, cornering, acceleration, braking both
on wet and dry surface. Tyre blowout also occurs when tyres are under-inflated
and sadly this leads to loss of lives.
SAFE
AND SMOOTH DRIVING: circumstances where tyres are over-inflated
will definitely lead to tyres having less grip on the road and this affects
braking ability, traction and the stopping distance of the vehicle would be
affected. This to a certain level increases the risk of losing control of a
vehicle. But in cases where tyres are
perfectly inflated, the contact with the road surface is even and adequate, and
this therefore leads to better handling and smooth driving.
PROLONG
TYRE LIFE: tyres that are frequently and properly inflated tend to
have prolong life because they are given the necessary care and attention. Bulge
is detected early if there is any likewise under-inflation. And when this
routine is practiced regularly, prolong life is certain.
Recent survey shows that most vulcanisers inflate
car tyres pressure to 40 Pounds Per Square Inch(psi) while passenger tyres are
pumped to 44 psi, it is important that
drivers are informed that there is no general standard psi for all vehicles and
tyres. So, it is advised drivers check for their vehicles manufacturer’s
specification by the driver side doors or the Owner’s manual.
For correct tyre pressure and
better performance, i entreat drivers to check their tyre pressure twice in a
month and this should be done when tyres are cold. And please note, check all
tyres at the same time.
Written by Kayode Kola-Ajayi
An officer of the Federal Road Safety
Corps, Nigeria.
Twitter: @Kolawole1788
E-mail:
kk.ajayi@frsc.gov.ng
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