Maintaining correct tyre pressure is vital for vehicle stability, braking efficiency, and fuel economy. Why should tyre pressure checks always be carried out when the tyres are cold?
- AChecking tyres when warm will cause the vehicle's electronic dashboard monitoring sensors to record a permanent fault code
- Cold tyres give an accurate baseline because driving warms the air inside, causing it to expand and show a falsely high readingAnswer
- CTyres lose pressure as they become hot from road friction, which causes the pressure gauge to display a falsely low reading
- DThe statutory minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm can only be maintained if pressures are calibrated while the rubber remains cold
Answer
Cold tyres provide an accurate reading because driving generates friction that heats the internal air, causing thermal expansion and resulting in a falsely elevated pressure reading.
Tyre pressures should always be checked when the tyres are cold because continuous road friction generates heat during travel. This heat warms the trapped air inside the tyre, causing it to expand and display an artificially high pressure reading on a gauge. If air is released to match standard specifications while the tyre is warm, the tyre will be significantly under-inflated once it cools down.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Tyre Pressure Maintenance and Temperature Effects
Estimated Time:1m 0s