A recent video making rounds on social media has claimed that accidents on Pakistan’s motorways are primarily caused by tyre bursts and high tyre pressure during the summer season. The video suggests that tyre care includes inflating tyres to 25 pounds per square inch (PSI), a standard followed in developed countries can prevent these accidents. However, this claim is misleading and requires a fact check.
Misleading Claim
The video, shared on Facebook and Twitter, has garnered millions of views and likes. It asserts that many lives are lost due to tyre bursts on Pakistani motorways, attributing this to increased heat during the summer months. It further claims that international standards recommend inflating tyres to 25 to 28 PSI to avoid such accidents.
موٹر ویز اور ہائی ویز پر ٹائرز پھٹنے کی اصل وجوہات ۔۔۔۔یہ ویڈیو لازمی شیئر کریں تاکہ کسی کو یہ معمعلومات مل سکیں_ pic.twitter.com/qnfsKAlRgC
— عبدالسلام راکٹی (@Iam_Rakiti) August 19, 2023
Facts Check On Tyre Pressure
Motorway police officials and a road safety expert have refuted this claim. They explain that while temperature fluctuations do affect tyre pressure, there is no universal standard for tyre pressure as it varies depending on a vehicle’s make. Therefore, the suggestion that all vehicles should maintain 25 to 28 PSI to prevent accidents is incorrect.
Dr. Omer Masood Qureshi, an automotive design and crashworthiness expert, acknowledges that rising temperatures can increase tyre pressure but emphasizes that tyres burst for various other reasons. These include the quality of tyres, the use of smuggled or damaged tyres, and incorrect tyre-vehicle pairings.
Saqib Hussain, the superintendent of motorway police, concurs, stating that while the air pressure in tyres expands in the summer, not all cars require a standard PSI of 25 to 28.
Musab Bukhari, a senior officer of the national highway and motorway police, asserts that the video’s claims may reflect personal opinions but do not align with official standards. He highlights that a tyre’s age is a significant factor in accidents on Pakistani highways, with tyres becoming more prone to accidents after five years.
It is crucial to dispel myths that could lead to incorrect practices among vehicle owners. While maintaining appropriate tyre pressure is essential for road safety, there is no one-size-fits-all standard. Vehicle owners should refer to their vehicle’s manual or consult with experts to determine the correct tyre pressure.
How much air pressure do you prefer for your car? Tell us in the comments below!
