AUTO BILD Spain Rodrigo Fersainz
A high percentage of drivers confess that they do not even check tire pressure regularly. This is worrying as they are a key element in vehicle safety. But it is just as disturbing not to check if the wheels have enough air as to believe some of the false myths that circulate around this element.
From the hand of the experts at Nokian Tyres, we review what is true and what is false in the most widespread beliefs about tire pressure.
Driving with less pressure than indicated is more comfortable. False
Car and tire manufacturers determine a recommended tire pressure level that ensures safe tire performance, even under extreme circumstances.
A tire with a low pressure is too flexible, which makes it uncontrollable. This is probably the most dangerous misconception regarding tire pressure.
A pressure increases the center wear of the tire. False
Experts at Nokian Tires explain that “the wear pattern of a modern steel-belted tire is pressure dependent.”
“Drive tires are slightly more prone to center wear, because their center surface does more work during acceleration,” they say. “For the tires to wear out evenly, they must be replaced, that is, the rear ones for the front ones and vice versa, always in a timely manner,” they clarify.
Front tire pressure should be increased when towing a trailer. False
The answer is no. In this regard, Nokian Tires experts explain that it is the pressure of the rear wheels that must be increased when the car pulls a trailer.
The increased weight on the drawbar increases the load on the rear axle. Too low tire pressure causes oversteer in cornering situations. The rear begins to move uncontrollably, making a loaded vehicle difficult to steer.
Rodrigo Fersainz
It is better to circulate with high pressure than low. Real
Too high a tire pressure is not a cause for concern: better above than below.
Too low a pressure increases rolling resistance, tire wear and fuel consumption, as well as reducing drivability. This applies both in summer and winter.
The outside temperature influences the tire pressure. Real
When the temperature drops ten degrees, the tire pressure drops by 0.1 bar. On the other hand, when the temperature rises, the tire pressure increases.
Also, temperatures below freezing will cause the steel in the rim to shrink. The consequence is that, in sub-zero temperatures, a tire with too low pressure can come off the rim if the car hits a curb in a corner at high speed.
Carrying the correct pressure extends the useful life of the tires
This is true, true. The lower the tire pressure, the greater the lateral wear. In addition, riding with the correct pressure helps reduce the risk of punctures, cuts and breakdowns.
If a tire is running too low in pressure compared to the load, its shape is affected too much during driving. Its structure heats up, which can cause breakage between components. While correct pressure makes it easier to control the vehicle and reduces unnecessary steering corrections.