Keeping your tyres topped up isn’t just hot air
The rising rate of inflation may have affected Duncan and Petunia's wedding plans, but they quickly find out that keeping their tyres properly inflated could save them thousands.
With one week to go before the wedding, Duncan and Petunia have to review their budget. They need to know how much money has been spent so far, and what is left.
The couple has been planning their wedding for a while, but are worried about the effects of inflation on their budget. With the constantly fluctuating fuel price and the recently increased repo rate, it’s enough to jitter the nerves of even the calmest of couples.
One thing they can rest easy over is their tyres, because their past visits to their nearest Dunlop Zone have them covered. The last time they visited a Dunlop Zone, they learnt that the various markings on each tyre wheel were more than mere serial numbers. Similarly, tyre inflation is an important aspect of driving that tends to be taken for granted.
Depending on your car, your tyres will be required to have a certain amount of air in them. Tyre inflation, also referred to as tyre pressure, is necessary for the stability, safety general performance of the car.
To ensure that both Duncan’s and Petunia’s cars are in tip top shape, they decided to head to their nearest Dunlop Zone from their home in Umhlanga.
“It’s always a good idea to check your tyre pressure at least once a month,” the Dunlop Zone expert explained to the couple. “People only tend to check their tyre pressure before a long trip, or if they’re having tyre problems. This isn’t the best move.”
“What happens if you’re tyres have low pressure? Will it damage the car?” Petunia asks, as she realises she will need to start checking her tyre pressure more often.
The Dunlop expert outlined the dangers of driving with both over- and underinflated tyres.
Smaller contact area with the road
Greater wear area in the centre of the tyre
Ride comfort and handling may be compromised
Increased rolling resistance and friction
Increased fuel consumption
Reduced tyre life
Adversely affected braking
Driving on underinflated tyres can be dangerous, as the increased friction and heat may lead to excessive flexing and in turn, tyre failure.
It’s therefore important that you stick to the car manufacturer’s tyre pressure indicators, which can be found on the inside of your car passenger or driver door. If you can’t find it on your car, your tyres also indicate the amount of pressure needed per tyre.
Not sure what pressure you should inflate your car’s tyres to? Our handy inflation converter may not predict the next recession, but it will allow you to find out the correct pressure for inflating your tyres.
| BAR | PSI | BAR | PSI | BAR | PSI | BAR | PSI | BAR | PSI |
| 1.30 bar | 17 psi | 1.90 bar | 27 psi | 2.60 bar | 37 psi | 3.25 bar | 47 psi | 3.95 bar | 57 psi |
| 1.35 bar | 18 psi | 1.95 bar | 28 psi | 2.65 bar | 38 psi | 3.30 bar | 48 psi | 4.00 bar | 58 psi |
| 1.40 bar | 19 psi | 2.00 bar | 29 psi | 2.70 bar | 39 psi | 3.40 bar | 49 psi | 4.10 bar | 59 psi |
| 1.45 bar | 20 psi | 2.10 bar | 30 psi | 2.75 bar | 40 psi | 3.50 bar | 50 psi | 4.15 bar | 60 psi |
| 1.50 bar | 21 psi | 2.15 bar | 31 psi | 2.80 bar | 41 psi | 3.55 bar | 51 psi | 4.50 bar | 65 psi |
| 1.55 bar | 22 psi | 2.20 bar | 32 psi | 2.90 bar | 42 psi | 3.60 bar | 52 psi | 4.80 bar | 70 psi |
| 1.60 bar | 23 psi | 2.25 bar | 33 psi | 3.00 bar | 43 psi | 3.70 bar | 53 psi | 5.20 bar | 75 psi |
| 1.70 bar | 24 psi | 2.30 bar | 34 psi | 3.05 bar | 44 psi | 3.75 bar | 54 psi | 5.50 bar | 80 psi |
| 1.75 bar | 25 psi | 2.40 bar | 35 psi | 3.10 bar | 45 psi | 3.80 bar | 55 psi | 5.85 bar | 85 psi |
| 1.80 bar | 26 psi | 2.50 bar | 36 psi | 3.20 bar | 46 psi | 3.90 bar | 56 psi | 6.20 bar | 90 psi |
The amount of air your front wheels require are different to the amount your rear wheels will need.
“Always make sure to check your tyre pressure when your tyres are cold. This allows for a more accurate reading. Also make sure that you approach those that are trained and qualified to check your tyre pressure. That can be your petrol attendant, or your nearest tyre dealership,” the expert added.
For more tyre care tips and advice, follow Dunlop on Twitter and Facebook, and click here to download your free Dunlop Zone Tyre Tips booklet.
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