What do I need to know about Tyres?

There is only one thing that connects your car to the roads, and that is tires. It is one of the essential components of your car that needs attention and care so that you can vroom whenever you want. Something as significant as tires when talking about cars gives birth to many assumptions and fads that one may fall for. Following trends and hearsay can sometimes end up being more disastrous than you thought, and when about tires, they can invite accidents and at last affect your car life. Here is some basic tire knowledge paired up with some popular tire myths so that you always have a smooth ride. 

 Tyre Facts: All Tyre Information Covered

#1. PRESSURE PROBLEMS- Best car tyre pressure

• MYTH 

The common misconception prevailing around this topic is inflating the car tire with a pressure figure (PSI) mentioned on the tire sidewall. 

• FACT

You should always have this type of basic information about tires on tips.

It doesn't stand true because the pressure written on the tyre sidewall is the maximum pressure, not the one your car requires. The one your car needs is written on the inner side of the door. One more option is to check in your car manual to know the correct pressure for your wagon. This type of tire information is a must-know and for the durable life of car tires. 

#2. VALVE CAPS - car tire caps usage

• MYTH

For your tire information, valve caps don’t ensure that air is not lost from tires. Knowing the proper functions of tire parts is an essential part of car tire maintenance.

• FACT

Helping you know all about tires, valve caps function is to cover the valve and protect it from dust, water, and mud from entering. People think of it as something that prevents air loss but, on the contrary, protects against foreign particles. Accumulation of foreign particles can lead to air loss, and this is why your valve needs to be fit at all times. Losing car tire pressure multiple times maybe a car warning sign indicating mal-functioning of valve caps.

#3. WEATHER DRIVING - weather along my driving route

•  MYTH

1. If you reduce the tire pressure, the stronger will be the grip on the road. This myth especially prevails in wet conditions like rainy days; as it is said, it reduces the chances of a skid.

2. On summery days, you have to reduce your tire pressure by around 2 PSI. 

3. How can the fad spare winters? They say reduce your pressure for better handling. One more is regarding winter tires that you only need during snowfall.

• FACTS

1. Once and for all, less tire pressure doesn't mean better grip. Surprisingly these tire facts are the total opposite of what the myths suggest. Whether it’s luxury car tires, two-wheeler tires, or any other automobile, this applies to all of them. If you reduce the tire pressure, the tread and grooves will be closed, and their water dispersal potential will be reduced. It leads to a situation where either the wheels get locked, or they skid more. So always keep tires inflated up to the recommended level.

2. The same fad applies to summer as well because people link temperature rise to pressure rise. That is too much chemistry for your car tire in real life. If you drive your wheels with lowered PSI levels, the tire heats up and prompts the sidewall to flex or bend, which may lead to an accident.

3. The reality is the polar opposite in the case of winters. You should increase the pressure by 1-2 PSI for every 3-4 degrees of temperature drop. Ignoring this can lead to not only a significant decrease in tire life but also mishaps. So make sure to check this out in your winter car tire maintenance. Another popular belief is that winter tires are meant for snow, but that doesn't hold. If you are staying in a place where the cold is usually below the 10-degree mark, always use winter tires. The idea being, the tires become hard and stiff in low temperatures and worsen with quite visible cuts. Winter particular tires have a distinctive tread pattern alongside the unique quality rubber, which aids it to counter the drop in temperatures.

#4. TYRE CHECKS - How to check tyre tread

• MYTH

One can check the tire compound by hand, and pressure checks can be done at intervals.

• FACT

A car tire consists of many layers, so even if you consider yourself a pro, it is impossible to obtain a 100% clear picture. You have to get it thoroughly checked by a professional to know its nature. Pressure checks should be done weekly and not at intervals. Tires lose air with time, and inappropriate pressure decreases tire life, car life, fuel efficiency and increases risk. It is an essential part of your car maintenance, and even the one in your car emergency items should always be in a serviceable condition.

Read More:

1. Winter Car Care Tips: All You Need To Know

2. Diesel Car Maintenance Tips

3. Car Servicing: All You Need To Know