Question

Difficulty: MediumTyre Safety and Requirements

When checking tyre pressures immediately after driving on a high-speed road, you should release air if the measured pressure exceeds the vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold tyre pressure.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False
Tyre pressures increase naturally during driving due to heat from road friction. Releasing air from a warm tyre reduces the mass of air inside, leaving the tyre underinflated once it returns to ambient temperature. Pressure must only be checked and adjusted when tyres are cold.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the thermal effect of driving on tyre pressure
Driving generates heat due to friction and continuous flexing of the tyre carcass, causing the air inside to expand and raise internal pressure above its resting baseline.
Understanding thermal expansion in pneumatic tyres explains why warm pressure readings naturally exceed cold specifications.
2
Evaluate the consequence of bleeding air from a hot tyre
Releasing air to match the cold specification removes necessary air mass, causing the tyre to become underinflated once it cools down.
Vehicle manufacturer pressure specifications are calibrated specifically for cold tyres before heat-induced pressure increases occur.
3
Determine the truth value of the statement
The statement is false because drivers must never release air from warm or hot tyres.
Safe vehicle maintenance requires waiting until tyres are cold before checking or adjusting pressure.

Key Concept

Tyre Pressure Thermal Expansion and Cold Inspection Standards
Estimated Time:45s
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