Yokohama has always been an advocate of tire safety. However, there are some situations where a tire failure can't be avoided, but by taking some simple, time-efficient safety precautions, drivers can avoid most flat tires. Tire technology has made some remarkable advancements in the last decade, but to be as safe as possible, drivers should regularly examine their tires before getting on the road. For more information on how you can safeguard yourself and your vehicle, please refer to the Rubber Manufacturers Association.

 

Air pressure decreases naturally

Tire air pressure decreases naturally (little by little). It is generally accepted that air pressure in tires on a passenger car decreases by 5–10% (10–20kPa) every month.

Impact of low air pressure on fuel consumption

According to material released by The Energy Conservation Center, Japan, fuel consumption increases by around 2% in urban zones and 4% in the suburbs when air pressure drops 50kPa (0.5kgf/cm2) below the appropriate level. Please check air pressure once a month to ensure environmentally friendly and safe driving. Adequately managing air pressure is important not only to maximize the features of the tire but also to avoid an increase in fuel consumption.

• Lowers Fuel Economy!

If the tire pressure is only 155kPa (1.55bar, 22.5psi), 30% lower than the specified pressure of 220kPa (2.2bar, 31.9psi)...

• Cause of Abnormal Wear!

  If the proper inflation pressure is not applied, abnormal wear, as shown below, may occur. In the worst case, the tire could burst due to under-inflation.

​         
Shoulder Wear                         Center Wear

If the inflation pressure is too    If the inflation pressure is too
low, it causes excessive wear    high, it causes excessive wear
on both sides of tread.               on the center part of tread.

 

 

How to check the inflation pressure

1. Remove the valve cap on the wheel, attach the inflation pressure gauge to the valve, pressing firmly to avoid escaping air, then check the number. Don't forget to put the valve cap back on when you have finished.
*Please check the valve base for damage and air leakage.

2. The recommended inflation pressure is written on a label stuck in one of these places inside the driver's door. You can also refer to the vehicle owner's manual for the recommended inflation pressure.

3. The inflation pressure should be measured when the tire is cold. When driving, the temperature inside the tire rises causing inflation to expand and the inflation pressure to increase. As a result, measurements taken immediately after driving will be inaccurate.

4. Go to a tire shop when your tires need to be inflated.

Rolling resistance refers to the various forms of resistance against driving force when the car is in motion. Several factors contribute to rolling resistance, including wind drag on the car, acceleration resistance generated by inertia force when speeding up, and resistance on the tires.

• Worn tires are a sign of danger. Tread grooves are vital for safe driving! Tread wear causes poor tire performance and can lead to serious problems!
• Worn tires need a longer stopping distance on wet roads! 

Comparison of the stopping distance of new tires and worn tires on wet surface.
According to JATMA* study
*Japan Automobile Tire Manufactures Association

1. Prevention of Uneven Tread Wear

2. Extension of Tire Service Life

3. Averaging of Tire Fatigue

Note: The front-wheel tires of an FF vehicle wear two or three times faster than the rear-wheel tires because the front-wheel tires function for both driving and steering.