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Difficulty: MediumVehicle Adjustments for Heavy Loads (Tyres & Headlights)

You have hitched a heavily laden trailer to your car for a journey. What action should you take regarding your vehicle's tyre pressures?

  1. A
    Reduce the tyre pressures below standard levels to widen the tread contact patch.
  2. B
    Pump all tyres up to the maximum pressure figure moulded onto the tyre sidewall.
  3. Consult the vehicle handbook and inflate the tyres to the recommended pressure for heavy loads.Answer
  4. D
    Leave the tyre pressures unchanged at normal unladen levels because towing does not alter tyre requirements.

Answer

Consult the vehicle handbook and inflate the tyres to the manufacturer's recommended laden pressure setting.
When carrying heavy loads or towing, extra weight compresses the tyres and increases rolling resistance and heat. Drivers must refer to the vehicle handbook or tyre information plate and increase the tyre pressures to the specified laden values.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the additional load imposed on the vehicle.
Towing a laden trailer transfers extra vertical load (noseweight) and dynamic strain onto the vehicle's axles and tyres.
Tyres support the entire vehicle weight and must be correctly pressurised to maintain vehicle control.
2
Check the vehicle manufacturer's technical specifications in the handbook or data placard.
Locate the exact recommended PSI or bar values for fully laden or towing conditions.
Vehicle manufacturers calculate specific inflation figures to preserve safe handling, steering response, and braking performance.
3
Adjust the tyre pressures while the tyres are cold before starting the journey.
Tyres operate safely at the higher required specification without overheating.
Cold tyre readings provide accurate pressure measurements without distortion from driving heat.

Key Concept

Vehicle Tyre Adjustments for Carrying Loads or Towing
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Vehicle Adjustments for Heavy Loads (Tyres & Headlights)

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