HOW TO SET TYRE AIR PRESSURE
Did you know your tyres can be under-inflated and still look properly inflated? Nitto Tyre highlights the signs of improper inflation, explains where to find the proper inflation pressure for your vehicle and how and when to check your air pressure.
ABOUT AIR PRESSURE
With the right amount of air pressure, your tyres will perform better, wear longer and save fuel. The vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure for the original equipment size tyres is specified and may be different for front and rear tyres and will vary as tyre loads change. Check with your Nitto dealer if the replacement tyres on your vehicle are no longer the same size as the O.E. tyres.
WHERE TO FIND THE CORRECT O.E. INFLATION PRESSURE
You will find the recommended pressure on a placard or sticker in the doorjamb, glove box, or under the fuel-filler flap. If your vehicle does not have a placard, check the owner's manual or consult the vehicle manufacturer, tyre manufacturer, or your local tyre dealer. The tyre placard tells you the maximum vehicle load, the vehicle manufacturer’s cold tyre inflation pressure, and the tyre size(s) recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
USING A TYRE PRESSURE GAUGE
Check inflation pressure (including the spare) at least once a month and before every long trip. Tyres must be checked when they are cold (before driving). If you must drive over two kilometres for air, measure and record the pressure increase amount of each tyre. Upon arriving at the service station, measure each tyre's inflation again and if the pressure has increased, adjust the amount of additional air pressure needed. For example, if cold pressure should be 35PSI, but cold pressure was 28PSI, and current pressure is 33PSI, you should inflate the warm tyres to 40PSI and recheck them again when cold.
HOW DO TYRES LOSE PRESSURE?
Tyres lose pressure naturally through the process of permeation.
Changes in outdoor temperature can affect the rate at which tyres lose air. This change is more pronounced in hot weather. Generally speaking, a tyre will lose one or two psi of air pressure per month in cool weather or even more in hot weather. Remember, under-inflation is the leading cause of tyre failure, so check inflation pressure regularly.
OTHER TIPS
- Never "bleed" or reduce air pressure when tyres are hot. It is normal for pressures to build up as a result of driving.
- Make sure all tyre valves and extensions are equipped with valve caps with rubber gaskets to keep out dirt and moisture.
- Have a new valve stem assembly installed whenever a tyre is replaced.
- Under inflation or overloading creates excessive heat, and can lead to tyre failure, which could result in vehicle damage and/or serious injury or death.