Bridgestone SA reminds motorists that incorrect tyre pressures could be costing them money and increasing their vehicle emissions. Bridgestone public relations manager, Mandy Lovell, said that tyres were designed to operate under a particular range of pressures for best performance and economy.
Bridgestone SA reminds motorists that incorrect tyre pressures could be costing them money and increasing their vehicle emissions. Bridgestone public relations manager, Mandy Lovell, said that tyres were designed to operate under a particular range of pressures for best performance and economy.
She gave the example of over- or under-inflation as contributing factors that decreases tyre life. Over-inflated tyres wear more rapidly in the middle, while under-inflated tyres wear excessively on the
shoulders.
In severe cases, the tyre life may be shortened by as much as 20%. Incorrect tyre inflation also affects fuel consumption.
An under-inflated tyre has increased rolling resistance which then requires more fuel. This energy is wasted in the form of excessive heat build-up in the tyre.
Motorists are advised to check their tyres at least once a week to ensure that they are getting maximum tread life and economy.
“One rarely thinks of tyres as being critical to the economy, but you could be saving several percent on your fuel bill with a simple weekly pressure check,” she commented.
“Tyres set to the correct pressures also give optimum braking and steering control in an emergency,” she concluded.