Tyre inflation station: everything you need to know

On our motorways, tyre inflation stations are at your disposal for a safe journey. Correct tyre inflation is essential not only to extend tyre life, but also to optimise fuel consumption and ensure good roadholding. Find out how tyre filling stations contribute to our safety and driving comfort.

What is a tyre inflation station?

A tyre inflation station is a device designed to adjust the pressure of vehicle tyres. It can be manual or electronic, offering variable accuracy depending on the model. The aim is to fill tyres with the correct amount of air, as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, to ensure safe driving, reduce tyre wear and maintain economical fuel consumption. These stations are often located in garages, or are available on a self-service basis at certain service stations.

Motorists using the motorways managed by the Sanef network can easily locate these stations using the following links an interactive map. Drivers can therefore plan their stops to put air in their tyres and continue their journey in complete confidence.

What are the risks associated with under-inflated or over-inflated tyres?

Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which can reduce the vehicle's responsiveness and increase fuel consumption. Under-inflation also causes premature wear to the edges of the tyre and can lead to overheating, increasing the risk of bursting.

Conversely, over-inflated tyres reduce the surface area in contact with the road, which reduces grip and increases braking distance. Driving becomes less stable, especially on wet surfaces, and tyre wear becomes abnormally concentrated in the centre of the tread.

In the long term, poor tyre pressure can even affect the vehicle's suspension. So it's vital to check tyre pressure regularly to ensure that your tyres are in good condition and that you're safe.

How does a tyre inflation station work?

A tyre inflation station generally consists of an air compressor that generates the necessary pressure, and a pressure gauge to measure this pressure.

Identify the required pressure: before you start, it's important to know the recommended pressure for your tyres, generally indicated in the vehicle manual or on a label on the inside of the door.

Setting the station: on an electronic station, you enter the desired pressure via a numeric keypad. For manual stations, you'll need to keep an eye on the pressure gauge as you inflate.

Remove the valve cap: remove the valve cap from your tyre and set it aside in a safe place.

Connect the inflation head: place the inflation head on the tyre valve. If the station is automatic, it will stop when it reaches the set pressure. Otherwise, monitor the pressure gauge and stop manually.

Check and adjust: once the tyre is inflated, use a pressure gauge to check that the pressure is correct. Adjust if necessary by adding or releasing air. Repeat the operation for each tyre, not forgetting the spare wheel if the vehicle has one.

Replace the plugs: once all the tyres are correctly inflated, replace the valve plugs to prevent dirt from blocking the valves.

The process may vary slightly depending on the type of station used, but the principle remains the same: supply air under pressure to keep your tyres in optimum condition for driving.

What are the best tips for optimum tyre inflation?

To optimise the inflation of your tyres, it is essential to check the pressure when the tyres are cold, typically after the vehicle has been stationary for several hours or after a short journey at low speed.

Make sure you use an accurate pressure gauge for this measurement, as service station gauges can sometimes be worn and therefore less reliable. Always inflate your tyres in accordance with the car manufacturer's recommendations, which are specified in the owner's manual or on a label affixed to the vehicle.

Check your tyre pressure regularly, at least once a month and before long journeys, especially if you plan to load your vehicle.

You should also pay attention to seasonal temperature variations, which can affect tyre pressure, and adjust it if necessary. Check the weather forecast to prepare for your trip.

By following these guidelines, your tyres should stay in good condition, guaranteeing safety and fuel efficiency.