What Should My Tyre Pressure Be?
Checking your tyres and maintaining ideal tyre pressure is paramount to the safety of you, your family and others on the road. Different models of cars have different ideal tyre pressures, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Each model has a specific ideal PSI (pounds per square inch) of pressure for safety and optimum performance. Make sure you know the ideal tyre pressure for your specific model of car, and check all of your tyres regularly.
Here are some tips for maintaining safe tyre pressure, including how often to check tyre pressure, how to check your tyres, what tyre pressure for a Mazda 3 is recommended, as well as other Mazda models.
Why is Tyre Pressure So Important?
One of the biggest factors around tyre pressure is safety. Driving with too little (or too much) air pressure in your tyres is unsafe, and can lead to serious problems with your tyres and the driveability and safety of your car.
If your tyres are over-inflated, the braking ability can be severely reduced, and it makes driving on wet, slippery roads particularly dangerous. You have a higher chance of blow-outs, and your tyres are more likely to wear out prematurely through the middle of the tyre.
Under-Inflated Tyres
Under-inflation leads to uneven wear and a shorter lifespan for your tyre, as well as affecting steering and stability. Due to the extra rolling resistance of an under-inflated tyre, you will use more fuel faster if your tyres aren’t inflated enough. Incorrect tyre pressure can affect traction and grip during braking, as well as directional stability.
If your tyres are within the correct PSI parameters for your vehicle, the ride will feel more comfortable, with better cornering ability and general handling. Correct tyre pressure will also maximise the life of your tyres.
There are other aspects of tyre maintenance to be considered to ensure your tyres are safe, beyond air pressure. The age of your tyres as well as the thread could be a factor leading to an unsafe car, even if the tyre pressure is fine, so make sure you remain on top of all tyre maintenance.
How Can You Find Out The Ideal Tyre Pressure For Your Car?
Often the ideal tyre pressure will be stated in the driver’s manual, or else inside the driver’s door. If you still aren’t sure what the optimum PSI is for your car’s tyres, contact the manufacturer or a professional to be sure. Sometimes the front and rear tyres will require a different PSI, so it’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your particular model.
How Often Should You Check Your Tyre Pressure?
Regularly! The general rule is at least once a month, and always before a big drive or trip. Tyres lose pressure over time, and other factors such as external temperature can affect tyres, too. Checking your tyre pressure each month will give you peace of mind as you drive your family around, and you’ll know you are getting the best possible performance from your tyres.
Just because your tyres look well-inflated, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are within safe parameters, so you still need to check the PSI of each tyre. A tyre that begins to look flat is already severely under-inflated. It’s best to check the air pressure of each tyre when the car is cold and has been stationary for a while.
Recommended Tyre Pressure For Popular Mazdas
Because optimum tyre pressure changes between different models of cars, make sure you find the info correct for your vehicle specifically.
Here’s a guide to the ideal tyre pressure for some Mazda models:
Mazda 3: 36 psi
Mazda 2: 33 psi
Mazda 6: 36 psi for 17-inch/35 psi for 19-inch
Mazda CX-3: 36 psi for front/33 psi for rear
Mazda CX-5: 34 psi for 17/inch/36 psi for 19-inch
Mazda BT-50: 35 psi
How to Check Your Tyre Pressure
Make sure the tyres are cold – allow the car to sit for three hours without driving, or if you need to check the pressure at a fuel station, make sure it’s only a short drive away. Remove the valve cap from the tyre, placing the pressure gauge over the value and pushing down. Check the reading, remove the gauge. If the reading shows your tyre pressure is too low, inflate to the recommended PSI. If the reading is too high, squeeze the tyre valve to release air until you reach the recommended PSI. Replace the valve cap, repeat the process with all of the tyres. Make sure you check monthly and before any long drives.
Checking your tyre pressure, and adjusting as needed, is one of the important parts of vehicle maintenance that will ensure you and your family are safe. You can check and maintain tyre pressure yourself, but for other issues related to tyres and general upkeep of your car, make sure you contact your Mazda dealer in Perth for a professional assessment.
The team at Mandurah Mazda are always happy to take your call or feel free to book in a service at our garage if you’re having any trouble with your tyres.
