Now you know everything! Basic knowledge about tires and air pressure

1. 70% of bicycle tire punctures are caused by air pressure

It is often thought that tire punctures are caused by running over nails or glass, but in fact, it is said that about 70% of tire punctures are caused by low tire pressure.

Why does a drop in air pressure cause a flat tire?

• Rim strike puncture due to impact with a bump, etc.: If the tire does not hold enough air, it will get pinched between the wheel and tube on a bump and cause a puncture.
• Bent or rubbed tube: The tube may bend or overlap inside the tire, causing friction and creating a hole.

Additionally, statistics show that tires are the number one cause of car breakdowns on highways, accounting for 55.2% of all breakdowns, highlighting the importance of checking tire pressure on a daily basis.

Vehicle tires are constantly subjected to intense friction and impact while driving. Regular tire maintenance and tire pressure adjustments are essential for safe driving.

2. Learn about the different types of valves! Now you too can become a valve master!

A valve is a protruding opening on a tire that lets air in. There are three main types of valves found on vehicles: British, Presta, and American .

There are three types of air valves in vehicles!

• British valve: Commonly used on Japanese city bicycles (mamachari), and can easily be used with a standard manual pump.
• Presta valve: Used on road and cross bikes, this thin valve is compatible with high pressures and allows for precise air adjustment.
• American valve: Used in automobiles and motorcycles, it is highly durable and has little air leakage.

Each has its own characteristics, and the type of pump you use will vary. Knowing the valve shape of your vehicle will help you avoid problems with pumping.

3. How often should I inflate it?

Even though we know that it's important to check the air pressure in our vehicles on a regular basis, many people wonder, "How often should I inflate my tires?"

The general guideline is as follows:

• Mamachari: Once every two weeks
• Mountain biking : once every two weeks
• Road bike: Once a week
• Cross bike: Once a week
• Car: About once a month

You may be surprised at how frequently you need to check your tires. Tires lose air naturally, just like a balloon that was inflated 2-3 days ago gradually deflates.

In other words, it's not enough to just have it installed and then be safe; regular checks are the key to safe driving .

4. There are four units of air pressure!

There is no global standard for measuring air pressure, and the following four units are used:

• psi: A unit of pressure in pounds per square inch. Used primarily for high-pressure tires such as road bike tires.
• Bar: A unit often used for tire pressure in MTBs and cars. It is easy to understand, with 1 bar approximately equal to 14.5 psi.
• kPa (kilopascal): A unit of pressure also used to measure typhoon pressure. 100 kPa = 1 bar. This unit is also used in some Japanese products.
• kgf/cm² (kilogram-force per square centimeter): This is a unit of mass that has been used in Japan for a long time and is often displayed on mamachari and city bicycles.

You might be confused as to why there are four types, but in reality, most pressure gauges are either psi or bar . Just remember that and you'll be fine.

5. How to check the optimum tire pressure

When inflating your tires, it is important to adjust the air pressure to the optimum level. Too much or too little air can reduce driving performance and safety.

What is the proper air pressure?

The proper air pressure is the air pressure at which the tire performs at its best and is least likely to puncture . Smart air pumps and other products come with a guideline, but the most reliable way is to check the values printed on the tire itself.

Check the markings on the side of the tire

The place to look is on the side of the tire (sidewall) , where it will say something like "min. 85psi – max. 115psi".

The side of the tire may have a range displayed, such as "min. 85psi - max. 115psi," or it may have an upper limit displayed, such as "115psi."

If the displayed range is a range, adjust it according to your weight and purpose.

• Lighter people → closer to the minimum (min) value
• Heavier people → closer to the maximum value (max)

If only the upper limit is set (e.g. 115 psi), the general rule of thumb is to fill it as close to that as possible.

By car or motorcycle

The correct tire pressure for cars and motorcycles is also written on the vehicle itself . Check the following locations:

• Automobiles: Labels attached to the driver's door opening or near the fuel filler door
• Bikes: Frame, chain guard, or swingarm area

The optimal air pressure is set by the manufacturer for each vehicle model, and adjusting it within that range will maintain driving performance and safety.

summary

Most punctures are caused by low tire pressure, which can be prevented by checking tire pressure regularly. Understanding tire valve shape, tire pressure units, and how to check the correct tire pressure will help you maximize your vehicle's performance.

Start practicing small habits today to enjoy safe and comfortable rides and road trips.