We are currently in the midst of the holiday season and many
people will be making extended holiday journeys with heavily loaded vehicles.
With this in mind, it may be a timely reminder to highlight
the importance of correct tyre pressures in relation to the increased weight
being carried.
Most vehicles have two recommended tyre pressures. One for
normal loads and one for a heavily loaded vehicle full of passengers and
accompanying luggage. This will normally be shown on a sticker on the door,
door pillar or inside the fuel cap. Many vehicles can be fitted with a
selection of tyre sizes and if so, it is important to check the tyre size
fitted to your vehicle and look for the appropriate pressure for this size of
tyre. The sticker will indicate the recommended pressure for the front tyres
and the rear tyres. It will usually, also show symbols for normal use and when
carrying a load.
Tyres heavily loaded and with pressures not adjusted to
compensate, will effectively become underinflated. As a result, the tyre can
potentially generate a significant amount of excess heat which is capable of
causing a tyre to fail and delaminate. When you see the remains of a tyre
carcass at the side of the road, it is very likely caused by under inflation,
either due to overloading or slow puncture.
Check your tyres and keep safe.
