The Yamuna Expressway is witness to a higher-than-normal number of accidents due to tyre blowouts. Why? First off, the road is of cement which increases the temperature of the air in the tyre and hence pressure. The highway authorities blame motorists for using old or repaired tyres with wrong inflation pressure. Tyre manufacturers say tyres have different load capacity and operating speeds. Inflation pressure differs for use on concrete and bitumen roads. While crossing from bitumen to a long concrete road one must reduce the pressure or consider halts. Highways have speed limits on the higher side and no halts. Tubeless tyres are safer on such roads.
Inflation pressure depends on the existing temperature of the air in the tyre. If you travelled less than 3 mm to the tyre shop from a long-time rest, then you must use the rated pressure mentioned on the inside of the driver door. If you have travelled more, then the pressure must be increased. In Goa, we have seen a number of incidents when cars have hit the dividers as drivers lose control. This is because of wrong road design and more, wrong inflation pressure.
