Underinflated Tyres? Don’t Worry!

Here’s All You Need To Know!

• How can you ensure that your vehicle’s tyres have the required air pressure?

  Inspect the condition of your bike and car tyres every week, to ensure the air pressure level is adequate. If you have a high-end car, you got lucky, for they are equipped with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This system alerts the driver whenever the air pressure of any tyre drops below the recommended level, so one can take immediate action. 

• How would you know if the tyre is underinflated?

  You need to get your tyres tested regularly at any air filling station or a tyre shop near you. Or to check it yourself, here is the simple process: 

  • Find out the recommended tyre pressure for your tyres.

  • If you’re a car owner, you can find it on a yellow sticker on the door jamb on the driver’s side. The owner’s manual also has the required information. There could be different recommended pressure levels for front and rear tyres.

  • To find the information for your bike tyres, turn to the owner’s manual.

  • Always take a reading of the pressure when the tyres are cool. Early morning hours are the best for this. 

  • Avoid measuring the air pressure immediately after a drive.

  • Unscrew the valve cap and place your tyre gauge over the valve and press towards it. You will hear a “hissing” sound while inserting and removing the gauge. Within seconds the tyre gauge will reflect the tyre pressure of the tyre.

• What to do in case of underinflated tyres?

  In this case, your tyres need to be brought up to the recommended air pressure level right away. You can take your vehicle to the nearest air filling facility available at petrol stations. The attendant will determine the current air pressure and fill the required volume in the tyres. You can also visit your servicing garage or a nearby tyre shop in case you don’t have access to a petrol station.

• What if there are no air filling facilities available nearby?

  You can invest in a portable air compressor and keep it in your car, especially if you are about to get on a road trip. So just in case  there are no air filling stations when you need them the most, at least you are not stranded and can manage the issue your way. Portable air compressors are inexpensive and easy to use, so it’s a small investment to make. 

• How to inflate your tyres with an air compressor?

  These air compressors work on the power of your car’s battery to fill the air in your tyres. In case you are wondering how much time the tyre will take to inflate, it all depends on the quality of the compressor. And now, here are the steps you can follow to refill your tyres using a portable air compressor:

  • Turn on the compressor after which you will hear the motor hum.

  • Remove the valve stem caps from your tyres. Tuck them in your pocket so that you don’t lose them!

  • Press the hose towards the stem and then press the lever. Mind you, it may take some effort to hold the hose steady over the stem.

  • Keep an eye on the pressure level. The gauge on the compressor will notify you when your tyres have reached the required level. You can then release the inflation lever.

  • Replace the valve caps on all the tyres.

  Regular care for your tyres ensures that they are never underinflated. But if you find your tyres have a problem, simply refer to this quick guide and let your tyre woes deflate. Learn more about what’s best for your wheels with more tips and tricks from CEAT! Or, you can browse the CEAT website if you want to buy tyres online.