Top 5 Reasons Why Maintaining Ideal Tyre Pressure Is Good For Your Bike
Tyre pressures are often overlooked, but quite important
It’s crucial to maintain the right tyre pressures for your bike. As simple as it is, it’s also easy to forget. Checking your tyre pressures often has a lot of benefits. Here are 5 reasons why you should do so:
Increases Mileage
Right tyre pressures will ensure you get the optimal mileage. Lower tyre pressures will increase the tyre contact patch and thus increase the engine load. So, the engine will have to work extra hard to maintain the desired speed, thus reducing the mileage.
Better Tyre Grip
When the tyres have a proper contact patch, they are able to grip the road as intended. Having the right tyre grip will not only make riding fun, but safe as well.
Better Braking
When you have optimal tyre grip, it can help the bike come to a halt safely. Wrong tyre pressures can cause tyres to lose grip and lock up easily under hard or emergency braking.
Improved Tyre Life
Having the right pressures can extend the tyre life. Lower tyre pressures can wear your tyres prematurely, and will need to be replaced earlier than expected, thus increasing your tyre expense over the ownership period of the bike/scooter.
Reduces Puncture Risk
Checking tyre pressures regularly can help you spot punctures or other problems with tyres and/or wheels. This will reduce the chances of you getting stranded on the road because of a puncture.
When To Check Tyre Pressures
Ideally, you should check tyre pressures every week, and when the tyres are cold. It barely takes 10 minutes, but it is necessary.
Where To Find The Right Pressure
Most bikes will have a sticker near or on a swingarm stating the right tyre pressures. For scooters, it should be under the seat, in the boot or on the apron. Irrespective, the owner’s manual will also have the optimal tyre pressures for different kinds of loads.
BikeDekho Says
Tyres are often an overlooked part of the bike. Taking regular care of your tyres can go a long way in ensuring a safe and fun riding experience. Having your own tyre inflator can help you top up air wherever you are. But it’s not necessary, since tyre inflators can be expensive and bulky. However, you can always buy a tyre pressure gauge – most of which are relatively cheap and small as a keychain. It will allow you to check the pressure whenever required and you can always top up air at any local mechanic, a petrol pump, or a tyre shop. Long story short, maintaining right tyre pressures can save you a lot of money in the long run, and doesn’t take a lot of time to check.