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CAR TYRE PRESSURE

Keeping your tyres inflated to the pressure specified by your vehicle manufacturer will help to keep you safe on the road. Tyre pressure impacts your gripping capabilities and road handling as well as your fuel consumption. You should check your tyre pressure every three weeks.


Free Tyre Check

If you have noticed any of the below signs listed, we would recommend visiting your local Merityre Specialists branch for a free tyre check. We will check the health condition of your tyres and offer advice if they need to be replaced.

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Why do I need to check tyre pressure?

Keeping your tyres in good condition is important for your safety, your passengers’ safety and the safety of other road users. Having a tyre that has insufficient pressure could lead to an accident on the road, such as a burst tyre when driving at a high speed.

It is also a legal requirement that your tyre tread depth is at a minimum of 1.6mm per tyre. Still wondering, what tyre pressure do I need? Find out more information on what the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle is today.


Under-inflated Tyres

Tyres lose pressure naturally over time and can easily become under-inflated. When tyres are under-inflated, the tyre will not provide optimal grip – as mainly the edges of the tyre are in contact with the surface of the road, which results in a small and uneven contact patch. This means that handling and steering precision will be affected and braking distances will be increased.

Due to their reduced and uneven contact patch, under-inflated tyres will wear excessively and unevenly, as more pressure is put on the sides and edges of the tyre. In addition, under-inflated tyres also become hotter more rapidly and they are more likely to overheat, making them more susceptible to damage.


Over-inflated Tyres

Tyres become over-inflated when they are filled with too much air. Over-inflated tyres have an uneven contact patch as the centre of the tyre makes contact with the road, resulting in limited gripping capabilities, reduced resistance against aquaplaning and longer stopping distances.

Over-inflated tyres are prone to uneven wear due to their limited contact patch and they cannot absorb road shocks as well as correctly inflated tyres, which makes them prone to tyre damage. Furthermore, both under and over-inflated tyres require more fuel in order to run efficiently.


Check Tyre Pressure With Merityre

You can check your tyre pressure for free or for a small fee at most petrol stations or service stations. Simply check your vehicle manufacturer handbook for the recommended pressure - remembering to adjust if necessary for the load of your vehicle. Use the facilities provided to check that your tyre matches the recommended pressure. If not, inflate or allow your tyres to deflate as necessary.

Alternatively, you can visit your local Merityre Specialists for a FREE tyre check!

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As well as frequently checking your tyre pressure, you should check your tread depth and visually inspect for tyre damage.


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