How important is Tyre PSI?

Poorly maintained tyres are like parachutes with holes. Replace them! A single palm print per tyre serves as the connection between a motorcycle and the road. Only with well-maintained tyres can you safely stop, accelerate, grip, and turn.

The performance of your motorcycle or three-wheel tyres in Sri Lanka are greatly influenced by tyre pressure, also known as tyre PSI. In truth, as owners, we should become familiar with this item and check it once a month rather than pushing it to the back of our minds as something the mechanic will check at the next service. Here are five justifications.

Safety first.

A tyre's footprint, or the quantity of rubber in contact with the road, is diminished if it is overinflated. Your ability to manage the motorcycle is substantially diminished by the smaller the footprint and the less grip it has, especially when breaking. In the rain, overinflated tyres are especially risky. A similar loss of control, notably during cornering, can result from an underinflated tyre. Correctly inflated tyres provide for more precise handling.

Fuel efficiency.

A tyre's footprint enlarges if it is underinflated. As there is higher friction as a result of the increased road contact, the engine has to work harder to spin it. A harder-working engine uses more fuel. Ever had to ride a bicycle with a flat tyre? No fun.

Longevity.

Tyres that have been properly inflated will likely survive far longer than those that have been underinflated. Its life may be reduced by about 25% if it is 5 PSI (pounds per square inch) underinflated. Tyres that are not regularly inspected might lose one to two PSI every month.

Handling.

Correctly inflated tyres enhance a vehicle's steering, handling, and grip. Under-inflated tyres can result in stopping distances that are up to eight metres longer, up to twice as long in poor weather and for larger motorcycles.

The recommended tyre pressures for your motorcycle are listed in your owner's manual and are displayed on the driver's door sill or the inside of the fuel tank flap. It is crucial to double check and be aware of the recommended pressures and reliable vendors who offer good motorcycle tyre prices in Sri Lanka, as the vehicle manufacturer may have recommended different pressures for your front and rear motorcycle, car or bicycle tyres in Sri Lanka.