Three reasons to check your tire pressure

Most people rarely think about checking their car's tire pressures more often unless they are clearly deflated. But in fact, it is good to do this check at relatively short intervals and every time before a longer trip.

This advice comes from experts from the Finnish manufacturer Nokian Tires. Even if you have new and high-quality tires, air will escape over time - through contact with bumps or curbs, or as a result of sudden temperature changes. Maintaining the recommended pressure will not only make your vehicle more manageable and safer, it will also save you a significant amount of money.

Here are three reasons to check your tire pressure more often.

1 Better handling

If the tires are under-inflated or over-inflated, your car will behave unpredictably in critical situations.

“The importance of proper tire pressure is best seen during extreme times, such as sudden lane changes or animal avoidance.”

explains Martin Drazik, Sales Manager at Nokian Tires.

On wet surfaces, tires that are too soft will increase the braking distance and increase the risk of aquaplaning.

2 Greater work resource

If the tire pressure is below the recommended pressure, it will deform and overheat. Thus, their service life is significantly reduced, not to mention the risk of damage to them increases. However, in very hot weather, it is good to lower the pressure a little, as the air expands when heated.

3 Fuel economy

If the tires are too soft, it increases the contact area with the asphalt. At the same time, resistance increases, and accordingly fuel consumption increases (the motor needs to strain harder, as if the car were loaded).

The difference is up to a few percent, which can cost you a substantial amount over the course of a year. Correctly inflated tires also reduce greenhouse gas emissions from your vehicle's exhaust system.