Especially when traveling by car, safety is best ensured if the tyre pressure is correct. If the tyre pressure is too low, it can have serious consequences and significantly increase the risk of accidents.
This checklist increases your next road trip’s safety:
Check tyre pressure before starting your journey:
- Before you set off for your vacation, make sure to check the tyre pressure of all your tyres, including the spare tyre – if you have one.
- The measurement should ideally be taken on cold tyres, preferably at an outside temperature of 20 degrees Celsius.
- After a long drive, the tyres will be warm and the tyre pressure will be higher, which may distort the result.
Adjust tyre pressure according to load:
- When fully loaded, as is often the case on vacation trips, you should increase the tyre pressure according to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
- Usually, this information can be found in the owner’s manual, on the fuel cap, in the door frame, or in the glove compartment.
- Increasing the tyre pressure when fully loaded ensures more stable handling and reduces the risk of tyre blowouts.
Adjust tyre pressure for winter tyres:
- For winter tyres, you should increase the tyre pressure by 0.1 to 0.2 bar compared to summer tyres.
- This is necessary because tyre pressure decreases in cold weather. A slightly higher pressure in winter tyres ensures that you have sufficient tyre pressure when driving in low temperatures.
Use the tyre pressure monitoring system:
- Modern vehicles are equipped with tyre pressure monitoring systems that warn the driver when the tyre pressure is too low.
- Use this system to keep an eye on the tyre pressure so that you will be able to react in time.
Dangers of too low tyre pressure:
- Longer braking distance: Too low tyre pressure can significantly exacerbate braking distance, especially on wet roads.
- Unstable handling in corners: With too low tyre pressure, the vehicle can lose stability in curves or become unsettled during lane changes.
- Higher risk of a tyre blowout: The increased heating of the tyre due to low pressure raises the risk of a tyre blowout.
- Uneven tyre wear: Insufficient tyre pressure leads to more wear on the outer edges of the tyres, reducing their lifespan.
Additional tips for a safe holiday drive:
- Vehicle check: Have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic before the trip to make sure it’s in good technical condition.
- Have breaks: Schedule regular breaks to rest and maintain focus.
- Maintain a safe distance: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead to be able to brake in time in case of an emergency.
- Adjust speed: Adapt your speed to road conditions and traffic.
- Avoid distractions: Avoid distractions while driving, such as talking on the phone or control the navigation system.
Conclusion:
Regularly checking and adjusting the tyre pressure is a simple but important measure to enhance safety on the road and start your vacation stress-free. Use our tips and enjoy a relaxed and safe journey!