The HGV Training Centre routinely reminds readers of our blog about the importance of maintaining proper tyre pressure. From van and driving to trailer towing, making sure tyres are at the right pressure is a critical component of safe and fuel-efficient vehicle operation. Imagine our concern to discover that a recent test involving thousands of vehicles showed only 50% of the tyres in use were properly inflated.
The test was conducted by WheelRight at the NEC Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham this past April. Show attendees drove over a machine capable of measuring tyre pressure on the fly, enabling WheelRight to check 1,470 vehicles on the final day alone. Car owners could get paper copies of the results by confirming their registration numbers with the company.
WheelRight officials say that just 50% of the tyres that travelled over its machine were properly inflated. Even worse is the fact that 10% of the failing tyres were over or under-inflated by at least 20%. Such severe over or under inflation puts those tyres in a high-risk category.
Why is tyre pressure so critical? Here are just a few reasons:
- Overall Safety – Tyres that are under inflated are more susceptible to blowouts because there is not enough air to support the weight of the vehicle. The problem is very common for utility trailers, RVs, and caravans that are not used regularly. Every year, about this time, we start hearing news stories about caravanners involved in accidents that are directly related to tyre pressure.
- Vehicle Handling – Even when improper tyre pressure does not lead to a catastrophic blowout, it still inhibits handling significantly. Vehicles already difficult to control under ideal conditions become dangerous with the introduction of precipitation or wind.
- Fuel Economy – Safety issues notwithstanding, proper tyre pressure is also critical to fuel economy. Tyres that are under or over inflated result in an engine having to work harder to maintain the same speed. This results in more fuel being burned along the way.
- Tyre Economy – Lastly, tyres will not last as long as they should if proper air pressure is not maintained. Overinflated tyres wear in the centre more rapidly while under inflated tyres wear out more quickly on the edges and sides. The more frequently your tyres are not properly inflated, the more money you will spend replacing them.
From van driving to trailer towing, tyre pressure is important. You would be wise to check your tyres on a periodic basis. The job is made easy by hand-held pressure gauges you can purchase at any car parts store. Many petrol stations also provide gauges with their air hoses.
The HGV Training Centre offers van driving and trailer towing lessons along with our commercial driving programmes. We are one of the UK’s leading providers of driver training with a reputation for high standards, a thorough approach, and student drivers who pass their tests the first time.
Sources:
