Tire pressure
The tire inflation pressure is directly related to safety. Therefore, tire pressure must be checked regularly, and proper maintenance can prolong the lifespan of the tires. Learn about the importance of tire inflation pressure and how to check the pressure of your tires.
Importance of tire pressure
- Optimum air pressure should be maintained to ensure safety, driving performance, tire life and fuel cost.
- Tires have been known to lose up to one psi in a month (psi: pound per square inch) Therefore, it is important to check all tires, even the spare, at least once a month or before a long trip.
Recommended interval
Tire pressure should be checked every month.
Checking for optimum tire pressure
Laufenn tire recommends you to check your tire pressure once in a month.
The optimum air pressure level for your tire can be found on the inner side of the car door (on the tire placard), inside the fuel cap or in the car manual (the location of the sticker can vary according to country).
DO NOT compare your inflation pressure to its maximum pressure marked on the tire’s sidewall.
How to check tire pressure
1. Purchase a certified air pressure gauge or take your vehicle to a nearby service centre for a check-up.
2. Tires must be checked in a “cold” state (at least three hours after driving).
3. Insert the gauge into the valve.
4. Compare the measured air pressure level with the level listed on the tire placard.
- If the measured figure is higher, release air until the figure matches what is listed on the tire placard.
- If the measured figure is lower, insert more air until the figure matches what is listed on the tire placard.
Maintenance
Tire wear directly affects the driver’s safety and the performance of the vehicle. It is essential for the driver to be well-informed about how to check for tire wear regularly.
Importance of checking for tire wear
The deeper the groove, which is on the surface of the tire, the more grip a tire will have. You can prevent danger of unexpected accidents by checking for tire wear on a regular basis.
Recommended interval between check-ups
Laufenn tire recommends that you check for tire wear once a month. Also, make sure to do a check once more after long distance travel.
Checking for tire wear with tire tread wear indicator
You can check for the depth of the groove by using a tire tread depth gauge or by observing the tread wear indicator on the side of the tire. To ensure optimum safety and performance, tires should be replaced when the tire groove wears below 2mm to 3mm.
Rotation
Periodic rotation prevents uneven wear, prolonging the life of your tires. Learn about the importance of tire rotation and how to rotate them.
The importance of tire rotation
Periodic tire rotation helps extend the life of your tires and improve performance level. For your safe driving and saving money, please refer to the rotation method below.
When to rotate your tires
In general, it is the best to rotate tires every six months or 10,000km. To change tire position to the other position ensure even wear and long life of tire.
Balance
Tire balance must be checked if there is unexpected vibration or noise from a tire. Learn about the importance of tire balance, which is necessary for a comfort driving experience and when to inspect a balance.
The importance of tire balance
Tire balancing is a process of compensating for the weight of the tire and wheel after assembly. If not properly balanced, it increases vibration and cause stress on your vehicle.
When to inspect for tire balance
If you feel a vibration from a tire, visit a mechanic where he or she will attach a balancing weight to the exterior or interior of the wheel to counteract centrifugal forces acting on the heavy areas when the wheel is turning.
How to balance tire and wheel
To balance the tire and wheel assembly, a balance weight can be used when a certain spot is lighter or heavier than it should be.
Wheel alignment
To prevent vibration, skidding, noise, and wear, wheel alignment inspection is necessary. Learn about useful information regarding wheel alignment and how to perform an inspection.
The importance of wheel alignment
The purpose of wheel alignment is to adjust front-wheel handling while driving. If wheel alignment is off, tire life is shortened while car and mileage performance also decrease.
When to check wheel alignment
Laufenn tire recommends to inspect wheel alignment every year or for every 20,000km. The inspection is required
- after a car accident.
- after tire replacement.
- when there is uneven wear on a shoulder.
- when the steering wheel is unstable and/or vibrating
- when riding is uncomfortable or fuel efficiency gets worse
Replacement
In order to ensure a safe and comfortable ride, it’s strongly recommended all driver to know when and how to replace tires.
The importance of tire replacement
Timely replacement of tire is critical for driver safety and also influences vehicle lifespan and performance.
When to replace a tire
- In case of severe tire erosion.
- In case repair is impossible due to tire puncture.
How to replace a tire
In the case of a damaged tire and wheel, professional consultation is recommended. Tire replacement should only be done by a trained and highly experienced technician.
Tips for tire replacement
- It is the best to replace two tires on one axle at the same time.
- Only replacement of one tire of two on the same axle usually causes to unbalance the vehicle.
