Some car tyre vendors and drivers have identified underinflated car tyres as one of the major causes of road crashes in Ghana, leading to injuries and death.
They said underinflated car tyres could affect the handling of the vehicle, increase stopping distances, reduce the fuel efficiency, and even lead to tyre failure.
Mr Issac Okrah, a driver, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the most common cause of underinflation were natural air loss over time, temperature changes, and punctures or leakages on the tyre.
Mr Okrah explained that this could affect fuel efficiency due to the increase in rolling resistance, which could force the engine of the vehicle to work harder, thus decreasing fuel efficiency.
He advised drivers to check their tyre pressures at least once a month or before embarking on long trips.
Mr Benjamin Quaye, a car tyre vendor, said the best practice for maintaining proper tyre pressure included checking them when they were cold, using a reliable tyre pressure gauge, and inflating tyres to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Mr Quaye explained that the tyre pressure monitoring system played a significant role in alerting drivers when they were significantly low, which helped to prevent under-inflation-related issues.
He emphasised that there were long-term consequences of consistently driving on underinflated tyres, which included accelerated and uneven tyre wear, decreased fuel economy, and potential damage to the tyre’s internal structure.
Mr Kofi Appiah, a tyre vendor, said there were specific types of tyres or driving conditions that make underinflation a cause for concern.
“High-performance tyres and driving in hot weather or at high speeds can intensify the effects of underinflation,” he said.
Mr Appiah advised drivers to prioritise tyre safety by regularly checking its pressure, ensuring frequent inspection for damage, monitoring the signs of under-inflation and to follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for tyre maintenance.
GNA
