What happens if your tyres are overinflated?
There is a lot of talk about the dangers of underinflated tyres. But overdoing the pressure can also impact the performance, efficiency and longevity of your tyres.
In this article, we’ll outline how to test for overinflation, what the negative effects can be, and how to fix the problem.
How do you know when your tyres are overinflated?
If you suspect your tyres are overinflated, you can confirm this with a tyre pressure check – whether using a home tyre pressure gauge or while at a petrol station or local garage on the air pressure machine – and then compare this result to the recommended tyre pressure in your vehicle handbook. If you don’t have this to hand, check your car door sill for a tyre pressure info label.
Another tell that a tyre is overinflated is that the rubber will wear more in the middle as it bulges outwards. This may become apparent when driving, as you could experience more bumps and less traction than usual.
What are the effects of overinflated tyres?
Overinflated tyres can cause several problems for motorists. Let’s explore these effects in greater detail:
- Reduced traction: If a tyre is overinflated, the centre of the tyre will bulge outwards. This means less tyre surface area is in contact with the road, reducing traction. With reduced traction comes reduced safety as the tyres struggle to maintain grip in wet or slippery conditions.
- Affects braking: Following from the above point, decreased traction can also impede the car’s ability to brake quickly and smoothly, compromising your safety.
- Bumpier ride: Overinflation makes tyres much harder, sometimes leading to a bumpier ride for everyone.
- Increased tyre wear: With less tyre surface on the road, the surface area that is in contact will wear down more quickly, reducing the lifespan of the tyre.
- Vulnerable to damage: A tyre that’s overinflated is stiffer and has less give. This means it’s at greater risk of blowing out or becoming damaged.
- Poor suspension: The hardness of overinflated tyres can also lead to less effective absorption of shock and also poorer suspension.
While you may think the tyre will eventually reduce in pressure naturally, neglecting the problem means a heightened risk in the meantime, which you should avoid.
How to resolve overinflated tyres
If you’ve realised your tyres are overinflated the fix is very simple. Either use a pencil style tyre pressure gauge, a home tyre pressure pump or take your vehicle to a petrol station or local garage and loosely connect to the air pressure nozzle without it being turned on, allowing air to escape and reducing the pressure.
If your tyre has already become damaged from the effects of overinflation, it is safer to replace it. Local tyre garages, such as Mr Tyre, have professional technicians who can recommend what tyre replacement is needed.
Established for over 50 years and serving Central England, the team at Mr Tyre fit a comprehensive and affordable range of tyres. Whether you need a quick check, puncture repair or full replacement, you can get in touch with your local branch for friendly help and advice.
