Have you ever wondered why all the best F1 drivers are just a few kilos lighter than sumo wrestlers? Well, if you have, it's probably because they're onto something. I'm not saying that being skinnier will win you races, but knowing how much difference little things can make might help you out next time you go-karting or even on your daily commute. And while we're on the topic, if F1 drivers think weight is essential, imagine how much more critical tyre pressure is! If your Dunlop Tyres Market Harborough does not have the correct PSI (Pounds per square inch), whether you like it or not, EVERYTHING changes, from stopping distances to corner entry and everything in-between. So, let's look at why tyre pressure is so significant and six ways to increase it.
The Right Pressure for Every Compound:
I know I'm probably preaching to the converted here, but you'd be surprised by how many people don't know their pressures or even what they should be! Here's a quick guide on what forces are recommended for each of the most common types of street tyres:
(1) Car sport - Goodyear Eagle F1 SC (Supersoft Compound) = 30 psi (Front & Rear)
(2) Hybrid - Goodyear Eagle F1 SC (Ultra Soft Compound) = 48 psi (Front), 60 psi (Rear)
How Big an Increase?
So, you've decided to squeeze some more performance out of your car and want to change the tyre pressure. All well and good but how much should you increase it? That does depend on what sort of driving you're doing; if you're easing through town then less than 5 psi is probably plenty. But, if you're blasting around a track then you'll need at least 20 psi (or more) or it can be like racing with training wheels on.
And don't forget that even the tiniest drop in pressure will make a difference, so whenever you check them give your tyres the throttle test; grab the front end by the wing with both hands and see how far they roll up before stopping. This way, you'll know how much you need to increase them after a couple of laps next time round.
Many Different Types of Tyre Pressure Gauge:
The downside with tyre pressure is that it's not as easy as checking your oil or other fluids, the only real way to tell if they're at their correct levels are by using either a manual gauge or an electronic gauge. Unfortunately, the latter can get expensive (upwards of £50) and that's before you've even had one fitted! Plus they don't take into account how cold it is, meaning some mornings you'll likely need to add some more psi for them to sit at their correct levels. So if you want an easy way to measure your tyre pressure why not try a digital Tyres Market Harborough pressure gauge? They're so cheap, accurate and easy to use that they have become part of your daily routine.
It Doesn't Take Long to Check Your Tyre Pressure:
When I was younger I remember having better things to do than constantly checking my tyre pressures. It meant that either I didn't check them enough or just left them until something went wrong. But with these digital gauges, tyre pressure has become simpler. You need to press a button, and the light comes on, giving an instant readout of your tyres' psi levels. It is excellent for saving time or just being lazy! And even better still, they're battery-powered, so you don't have to worry about charging them up before use.
Up to 3X Less Road Noise:
It's pretty simple; less air in your tyre means less resistance between the road and tyre. It means you'll go faster without having to spend hundreds on engine upgrades or expensive new components. Not bad, eh? But more importantly, it also means less noise from your Dunlop Tyres Market Harborough as they roll down the tarmac. It makes driving more pleasurable but can also help to reduce tyre wear and help you save money.
Final Takeaway:
This is probably the most essential thing to consider when it comes to increasing your tyre pressure. It will not only improve their performance but help prolong the life of your tyres, rims and other components. It does so by reducing the amount of work they have to do which in turn makes them last longer. A few things can affect tyre pressure, such as temperature, so keep this in mind whenever you check them over. And never forget that even if your tyres look perfectly fine from the outside there could still be damage on the inside. So always do a slow leak test before doing any high-speed runs.
So, there you have it, a complete guide for checking your car's tyre pressure. I know it all seems like a lot of extra work. But trust me, it'll soon become second nature to you. Before you know it, you'll be able to keep your tyres at their optimum levels without even thinking about them!
