The tyre manufacturer advises thorough tyre inspections when refueling or every two weeks to avoid any unprecedented outcomes even when driving at moderate speeds.
A sudden, undetected or gradual loss of tyre pressure can cause tyre failure, wear and rolling resistance which potentially increases fuel consumption. Decreases in steering precision and increases in braking distances meanwhile, lowers chances of safely avoiding obstacles at high speeds. The tyre’s overall service life is greatly reduced – tyres running at 0.4 bar below the ideal pressure will return around one third less mileage.
Many cars today are not fitted with tyre pressure monitoring systems – the average car on Germany’s roads reportedly pre-dates the ruling as such systems were not mandatory until 2014. Tyre inflation gas is no protection against slow punctures due to foreign bodies like sharp nails – failure to carry out the recommended tyre checks results in expensive driving, in dangerous conditions.
The correct tyre pressures are usually found on a sticker on the pillar of the driver’s door, on the inside of the fuel filler cap or in the glove compartment. However, different values apply depending on load, so adjust your tyre pressures accordingly before driving a fully laden car.