Pumping up the tyres

[Deleted User]

Decided to check my tyres today while refueling the car, used the compressor at ASDA and turned out one tyre was 12psi and one was 14psi. Other 2 were in the low 20s two. How accurate of these petrol station air pumps?

I know I haven't checked my tyres in a while but didn't expect it to be that low. Had to put 2 x 20p in for extra time!

Herzlos

They should be fairly accurate. But 12psi would feel totally soft. Do you at least kick/prod at them every now and then?

SailorSam

I don't check the tyres as often as i shoild do, then i'm surprised that they're so low. I've got a big compressor in the garage but usually only use one of those little ones that you connect to the car battery.

straighttalker

Don't be questioning the accuracy of the pump, question the accuracy of your maintenance regime!

[Deleted User]

The last few times I used one of those cig lighter air pumps. Cheap chinese eBay tat so not surprised.

forgotmyname

They maybe a few PSI out but the should be consistent, your 12psi maybe
9 - 15psi, it wont show 12psi on one tyre and 20 on another that has the
same pressure in it.

Sounds like you need to check your tyres more often.

bigjl

Don't worry as low tyre pressure aren't in any way dangerous!

Oh wait....

bigjl

forgotmyname wrote: »

They maybe a few PSI out but the should be consistent, your 12psi maybe
9 - 15psi, it wont show 12psi on one tyre and 20 on another that has the
same pressure in it.

Sounds like you need to check your tyres more often.

Or maybe he was going to let it get a bit worse so the garage could spot the problem easier.

Somebody has a very relaxed attitude to vehicle safety and preventative maintenance, driving on tyres that badly under inflated can easily damage the structural integrity of the sidewall.

And it is unlikely the Asda gauge is that inaccurate as already mention it might be 5/10% out though in my experience the petrol stations that have an airliner they are accurate.

chrisw

Get a tyre pressure gauge and/or foot pump for Christmas and take the guesswork out of it.

C_Mababejive

Get a separate BS standard tyre guage to check your pressures before and after inflation with garage pumps. Even better, save yourself some money,buy a foot pump and exercise whilst you inflate..

Norman_Castle

Had to put 2 x 20p in for extra time!

Driving with under inflated tyres will have cost you more than 40p in fuel.