What happens if tyre pressure is too low?

Consequences of tyre underinflation

One of the most common and most dangerous issues with tyres is underinflation, but with simple checks, it can be easily avoided.

What occurs

• Uneven wear - Tyres underinflated show outer edge wear on the treads, resulting in a reduced life span
• Increased fuel consumption - An underinflated tyre means firmer contact with the road and the engine needs more power to overcome it, causing the vehicle to consume more fuel
• Build-up of excess heat - The tyre flexes more than its intended design. This can result in structural failure due to heat generated by extreme cases of flexing
• Brake distance increase - Even slight underinflation measurably increases the distance required to stop
• Slow steering response - The car becomes less responsive to steering input

What can be done

Check your tyre pressure once a month and before long distance trips. Inflate your tyres to the manufacturer's recommended pressure, which can be found on your door frame sticker or in your vehicle handbook. Regular checks take a couple of minutes, and can avoid the above issues.