By Theodore Opara

Tyres are essential for the smooth, safe and optimal operation of every automobile. They are the only contact between you and the road.

Read Also: Kaduna, 2nd PH refineries undergoing comprehensive overhaul  – NNPC 
The tyres and the air inside them support the weight of your car.
For optimal operation, every tyre has defined operating specifications that must be abided by.

Tyre over-inflation and under-inflation

Over-inflation is when the air inside the tyre is more than the recommended specification.
Under-inflation is the opposite; it is when the air inside the tyre is much less than the recommended specification.
It is pertinent to point out that these recommended specifications differ from car to car.
And to show how important this information is for the car’s safe and proper use, the tyre specification and pressure ratings are mostly printed on a visible sticker and pasted on the B-pillar or door of the car so that it can easily be seen.

Under-inflated tyre

For a long time, many car drivers assumed that over-inflation is the major cause of tyre blowout. Unfortunately, the reverse is the case as under-inflation is the silent major culprit.

Most modern tyres can withstand enormous amount of air pressure inside them even above their recommended specifications when over-inflated. But it will very quickly degrade or suffer badly when driven while under-inflated and this can lead to nasty consequences (car crashes) that can also turn fatal.

Some major causes of under-inflation

1. Neglect: Infrequent tyre pressure checks
2. Lack of awareness: Unfamiliarity with recommended tyre pressure
3. Temperature changes: Tyre pressure decreases with cold temperatures
4. Tyre damage: Leaks, wear, cuts or punctures can cause under-inflation
5. Overloading of the vehicle: This causes the tyres to buckle under the excessive weight in the car that also affects the sidewalls of the tyres.

Consequences of under-inflation

1. Increased risk of tyre blowouts
   Under-inflated tyres can overheat, leading to a blowout. This mostly happens because the reduced air content (pressure) of the tyre means the sidewall become more flexible than desired, thus rubbing against each other and even against the ground, compromising its structural integrity and increasing the heat inside the tyre.
   Soon, this leads to thread separation on the sidewall, thus creating weak areas that will be easy to succumb to the heated air inside the tyre seeking an avenue to escape.
2. Reduced traction: Under-inflated tyres can lead to reduced grip on the road, increasing stopping distances.
3. Poor handling: Under-inflated tyres can cause vehicles to pull to one side or vibrate while driving.
4. Fuel efficiency and tyre wear: Under-inflated tyres can decrease fuel efficiency and lead to uneven tyre wear.
5. Under-inflated tyres have less ability to channel water away from the tyre surface, increasing the likelihood of hydroplaning during wet conditions.
   A study published in the Journal of Transportation Safety & Security (Smith, 2021) found that tyres with lower pressure are more susceptible to losing traction on wet roads.

Over-inflated tyres

Over-inflated tyres, according to tyrereview.com can cause a number of problems, including:

1. Premature wear
   The centre of the tyre wears down faster than the edges, causing it to wear out more quickly.
2. Loss of traction
   Over-inflated tyres have less contact with the road, which can lead to loss of traction, spinning out, or crashing.
3. Rougher ride
   Over-inflated tyres make the ride more uncomfortable by making every bump in the road more noticeable.
4. Increase risk of damage
   Over-inflated tyres are more likely to be damaged by potholes, kerbs, or debris.
5. Affect handling
   Over-inflated tyres can affect handling, especially when cornering at speed.
6. Affect braking
   Over-inflated tyres may affect braking.

Prevention and solutions

1. Regular tyre pressure checks: Check tyre pressure at least once a month, and before long trips.
2. Use the recommended tyre pressure: Find the recommended tyre pressure in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the tyre information placard.
3. Maintain proper tyre condition: Regularly inspect tyres for signs of damage, wear or under-inflation.
4. Consider investing in a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS): A TPMS can alert you to under-inflation and help prevent tyre-related accidents.

Statistics and facts

1. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), underinflated tyres contribute to over 600 fatalities and 33,000 injuries annually in the United States.
2. The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that properly inflated tyres can improve fuel efficiency by up to three per cent.
3. In Nigeria, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says 772 out of the 9,000 Road Traffic Accidents (RTCs) recorded in 2015 across the country were caused by burst tyres.

It is also important to note that raising awareness about the dangers of improper inflation of tyres and promoting regular tyre maintenance can reduce the risk of tyre-related accidents and save lives.

Vanguard News