As South Africans get set for increased travel over Easter, correctly inflated tyres can save significantly at the pump.
It also promotes safety, tyre wear, enhances ride comfort and maximises fuel economy. Running a tyre just 20% underinflated could increase fuel consumption by as much as 10%.
As South Africans get set for increased travel over Easter, correctly inflated tyres can save significantly at the pump.
It also promotes safety, tyre wear, enhances ride comfort and maximises fuel economy. Running a tyre just 20% underinflated could increase fuel consumption by as much as 10%.
“An under-inflated tyre deflects more energy, increasing rolling resistance and robbing the vehicle of fuel efficiency.
At today’s fuel prices, and especially during Easter when people generally travel a lot further, 10% is a considerable and unnecessary expense that could be saved by a little more fresh air,” said Goodyear’s Automotive Engineering Manager, Peter Henning.
Running under-inflated tyres also reduces their tread life which means they will need to be replaced sooner than necessary. Studies show that 87% of all flat tyres have a history of underinflation.
Statistics also reveal that one in every three cars has at least one under-inflated tyre and, while nearly seven in ten drivers say they wash their vehicles every month, barely more than half check tyre pressure in that period.
The majority of drivers (71%) forget to check the pressure in their spare tyre at all. Hi-Q General Manager, Andrew Bowren, said that, over time, even normal driving conditions affect steering and suspension, which in turn impacts a vehicle’s wheel alignment.
“All four wheels, plus the spare tyre, should be professionally inspected before a long trip. Modern, well-equipped stores like Hi-Q use electronic four-wheel alignment machinery, which is both more efficient and more accurate”.
The best time to check the pressure is when the tyres have had a chance to cool down, not when they are warm as some people believe.
The correct ‘maximum’ inflation pressure is to be found on the sticker on the driver’s door, the fuel door, inside the vehicle or in the manual under ‘recommended inflation pressure’.
Trentyre, Hi-Q and Tirepoint stores have a massive national footprint with branches in both big city suburbs and small towns.
All these one-stop fitment stores offer puncture repair services and stock a full range of passenger and recreational tyres.
