Over Inflation vs. Under Inflation

Avoid driving on underinflated or overinflated tyres as both scenarios can reduce the performance of your tyres and cause them to wear quicker.

Underinflation causes poor handling, fuel inefficiency, and an increased risk of tyre failure. Tyres are routinely exposed to stress and impacts that can reduce air pressure. Sometimes a small nail, screw, or other objects can puncture your tyre and act as an inefficient plug. This could cause the tyre to gradually lose air at a rate that you might not even notice. Your tyres also continually lose pressure due to permeation, a natural process where the air escapes from the tyre’s solid rubber sidewall. Weather can affect inflation pressures as well. Your tyre pressure will be reduced by about 1 psi for every 10-degree drop in the weather.

Underinflated tyres:

Can increase rolling resistance

Increase fuel consumption – due to the rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder

Creates uneven tread wear – the edges of the tyre wear out faster

Affect braking performance

Overinflation causes tyres to suffer adverse effects, including a harsh ride, poor handling, and irregular wear. Overinflation occurs when tyres are inflated with pressure exceeding the recommended PSI. Some drivers may even mistakenly overinflate their tyres after reading the maximum pressure listed on the tyre sidewall. This number represents the tyre’s maximum pressure, not the vehicle’s recommended PSI range. Remember to always check the owner’s manual or tyre placard for your vehicle’s correct tyre pressure.

Overinflated tyres:

Have a smaller contact area with the road.

May effect breaking

Create uneven tread wear – the centre of the tyre wears out faster

Compromise handling

Creates an unpleasant ride – the tyre is unable to ‘soak up’ the bumps

Maintaining tyre pressure may seem like a low priority in our busy daily schedules, but keeping the correct air pressure in your tyres is an important part of vehicle maintenance, as it helps with:

Safety

Optimizing tyre performance

Improving fuel economy

Improving handling and performance while driving

Extending treadwear

Maintaining steering response

Improving cornering ability and stability

Improving steering precision