In older types of vehicles where tire pressure sensors are not installed (now mandatory in every new car), its value should be checked regularly. This is particularly important during the winter, because during significant temperature fluctuations, the pressure value can change by a sudden – even in the range of 20%.
0.1 BAR AT 10 Celsius
This is the average value of the air pressure drop when the ambient temperature is reduced by 10 ° C. For example: at a standard tire pressure of 2 bar at + 20 ° C, its drop during high frost reaching -20 ° C will already be 0.4 bar. This will constitute a decrease of just 20% compared to the correct pressure. Such a large decrease will certainly affect the deterioration of the driving characteristics of car tires.
HOW DO I CONTROL FREQUENTLY?
In the winter season, “workshop” recommend checking the tire pressure even weekly (in warmer seasons, monthly checks are sufficient). The measurement should always be carried out on a cold tire. In particular, it is important before continuing trips or when planning a journey with a higher load.
Attention! By controlling the value of the air pressure in the tires installed in the car, do not forget about the reserve!
It is also worth noting that with frequently changing temperatures in the winter season (with frosty night-day transitions, especially when parking under the proverbial “cloud”), it is not possible to adjust the optimal air pressure in the tires to the current weather conditions. What to do then Experts advise in this regard prophylactic increase in pressure by 0.2 bar before the onset of low temperatures, lasting for several days, and then return to the correct value during re-warming. In this case, it is worth remembering that too high pressure damages the tire and may expose it to mechanical damage. Too low, however, results in poorer grip and controllability. aquaplaning risk. In addition, a tire with reduced pressure increases rolling resistance and increases fuel consumption. Suffice it to say that reducing the pressure by 0.5 bar results in a 5% increase in fuel appetite by the power unit.
WHY DOES THE AIR EXIST?
Too low air pressure in tires – apart from thermal factors – can also be caused by a defect in the valve or valve insert, as well as damage to the rim or the tire itself. In addition, the air escapes due to the phenomenon of its penetration through the tire. Leading tire companies are constantly trying to improve tire production technologies, also in terms of protection against the said air permeation. One of the most interesting solutions is the cancer insert made of a combination of flexible rubber and original plastic with airtight properties. According to the constructors, the production technology and the material used for the construction of the insert allow to prevent tire air loss by about 40% compared to tires with a traditional butyl insert.
