Tire Pressure
The tire inflation pressure is directly related to safety. Therefore, tire pressure must be checked regularly, and proper maintenance can prolong the lifespan of the tires. Learn about the importance of tire inflation pressure and how to check the pressure of your tires.
Importance of Tire Pressure
- Optimum air pressure should be maintained to ensure safety, driving performance, tire life and fuel cost.
- Tires have been known to lose up to one psi in a month
(psi : pound per square inch)
Therefore, it is important to check all tires, even the spare, at least once a month or before a long trip.
Recommended Interval
Tire pressures should be checked at least once each month and before every long-distance trip.
Tire Pressure Status
< Tire pressure and tire life >
- Low air pressure: It causes the contact patch width to increase, which results in excessive force on the either edge of the tread. Outer abrasion can damage each part of the tire. It also contributes to an increased slope of the sidewall compared to that of optimum air pressure, which can be dangerous.
- High air pressure: Due to the inflated shape of the tire, like a balloon, the force is focused at the center. The resulting uneven force across the contact patch becomes the cause of irregular tread wear.
Checking for Optimum Tire Pressure
< Driver’s side door >
Hankook Tire recommends you to check your tire pressure once in a month.
The optimum air pressure level for your tire can be found on the inner side of the car door, or in the car manual (the location of the sticker can vary according to country).
The number on the tire sidewall means maximum tire pressure. Therefore, do not apply tire pressure above it.
How to Check Tire Pressure
- 1) Purchase a certified air pressure gauge or take your vehicle to a nearby service center (or gas station) for a check-up.
- 2) Tires must be checked in a “cold” state (at least three hours after driving).
- 3) Insert the gauge into the valve.
- 4) Compare the measured air pressure level with the level listed on the car door.
- - in case of higher pressure than a recommendation, deflate your tire to the recommended pressure.
- - in case of lower pressure than a recommendation, inflate your tire up to the recommended pressure.
