ALL TYRES EVENTUALLY DEFLATE: WHY?

More often than not tyre pressure goes unnoticed until a tyre failure or change in driving behaviour occurs. When was the last time you checked your tyre pressure?

Incorrect tyre air pressure can affect your vehicle in the following ways:

• Reducing fuel efficiency
• Reducing tyre life
• Reduced handling behaviour
• Potential tyre overloading

Slowly but surely, every tyre loses pressure. A normal tyre can lose 2–5psi of air pressure a month!

This is quite normal through the process of permeation, where the tiny molecules of oxygen compressed in the tyre seep through the tyre itself.

Before you check your tyres for those tiny holes that let the oxygen out, you will need a very powerful microscope. Under pressure, the molecules slowly work their way through the rubber matrix and escape into the atmosphere. It’s simply unavoidable and completely natural.

The only real ‘cure’ for this issue is a regular tyre pressure check and top-up when necessary.

Toyo Tires Australia technical manager Steve Burke recommends a regular check of tyre pressures to ensure natural permeation is accounted for.

“I’d recommend a check of your pressures every couple of weeks, and to pump them back up to recommended specs if necessary. A tyre pressure check before a long drive is also highly recommended,” Mr Burke said.

“You should also check your pressures when you rotate your tyres. There may be a difference in pressure in front and rear tyres so ensure the pressures are adjusted accordingly.”

The spare tyre will need to be checked so that in an emergency you are not left with a flat spare. Many space-saver type spares can be rendered useless at low pressure levels due to overloading.

The correct air pressures for your OEM tyres are found in your owner’s manual or on the tyre placard. The placard will show you the pressures recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. If you are replacing your OEM tyres with identical tyres, this information should remain the same. However, if you have replaced your tyres with aftermarket replacements, you should refer to the recommendations of the tyre manufacturer.

If your tyre is losing an inordinate amount of pressure over a month and you are unable to find a puncture, the issue may likely be with your valve stem, in which case you should consult your nearest Toyo dealer.

Find your nearest Toyo Tires dealer here: http://toyotires.com.au/dealer-locator