Do you check your tyre pressures regularly?

[poprivet]

I do my cars weekly, some would say it's over the top but here's the reason.

Two weeks ago I noticed one tyre was a couple of psi under, no problem but I have had valves leaking before due to alloy corrosion so I bubbled the area, foam will form after an hour or so showing even a very small leak however in this case all was well.

This week it was again down a couple of psi so I knew something wasn't quite right so off came the wheel for a closer inspection, remove any small imbedded flints etc and the problem became instantly noticeable, a screw perfectly embedded.

With a long journey coming up next week I'm glad to have found the problem now.

[thomas45]

You are spot on about that, I check them sometimes if going far but I have now learned the lesson since going to get the wheels balanced and alignment done. First thing pointed out to me was two rear tyres underinflated, one wearing on the inside shoulder and the other in the middle of the tread.
But they looked ok to me at a glance and hadnt been on very long. Still two new tyres it had to be at the correct pressure and weekly checks now mandatory.
Thomas.

[J44EAG]

All this is of course in the Drivers Handbook....few bother to read it let alone do the weekly checks described therein. How many people check their fluid levels on a weekly basis? Very few I imagine. The problem is one of laziness and apathy in my opinion. If that is not the case then it is one of blissful withdrawal, disinterest and ignorance.

Hard words perhaps but if anyone else can suggest why so many motorists have a general reluctance to maintain their transport in reasonable order, I`d be interested to hear the reasons.

One thing is sure. As soon as an owner eventually realises they have an issue, then they are the first to blame the car rather than their own ineptitude. How much effort does it really take to eye ball ones tyres once a week and spot any potential issues such a basic suspension mis-alignment or a bulge on the side of a tyre carcass?

Mike K

[Tintin]

Spot on Mike - but you are raking water uphill. The general public no longer have any technical nouse self reliance or common sense. I know a highly qualified professional who managed to mistake the coolant and oil filler caps - with the inevitable result.

The motor industry doesn't help matters - making more and more parts and systems "sealed for life". Whose life? The cars? Mine? or the life of the part you have been neglecting to the point of failure? "When you sold me this widget you told me it was sealed for life. Well now its broken so what are you going to do about it?" "Sorry mate but its life is now over - I can do you a good price on this replacement though".

Drive through any housing estate on a Sunday afternoon and you will see owners out there polishing and detailing their pride and joy - but I wonder how many know where to find the bonnet pull, let alone the value of the recommended tyre pressures.

Rant over.

Robbie