How Important is Proper Tire Pressure?
Maintaining the correct tire pressure for all of your vehicle’s tires is essential to staying safe on the road. Beyond keeping you and your passengers safe from tire blowouts, maintaining tire pressure also positively impacts your vehicle’s tire life, handling, and fuel efficiency. In this article, we discuss why tire pressure matters, what risks improperly inflated tires can pose, and how you can keep your car running smoothly. If a preventable car crash does occur, be sure to reach out to emergency services immediately.
Why Tire Pressure Matters
Tire pressure is a measurement of how much air pressure is inside of a tire. Each vehicle is different, so a car’s manufacturer will recommend specific tire pressures for each vehicle model. You can find this information inside your car’s owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door.
Several factors can negatively impact your vehicle’s tire pressure, from driving conditions to temperature changes. If your car’s tires are under- or overinflated, you can experience a number of issues.
The Risks of Underinflated Tires
Underinflated tires can significantly impact fuel efficiency. An underinflated tire has more contact with the road, increasing rolling resistance. Increased resistance requires more energy from the engine, resulting in higher fuel consumption.
Underinflated tires can also put you, your passengers, and other motorists at risk of serious harm or even death. Improperly inflated tires can cause reduced braking and handling performance, making it more challenging to control the vehicle. This is especially true in slippery or wet conditions. Underinflated tires are also more susceptible to blowouts and overheating, which can have significant consequences.
The Risks of Overinflated Tires
Overinflated tires can also be bad for you and your vehicle. An overinflated tire has less contact with the road, which can negatively impact braking and handling performance. This can make it more challenging to control the car, especially when you need to brake suddenly.
Overinflated tires are also more prone to premature wear, particularly in the center of the tread. Your vehicle may experience uneven tire wear and shorter tread life. At high speeds, overinflated tires can increase the risk of tire blowouts.
The Broader Impact of Incorrect Tire Pressure
Incorrect tire pressure can affect more parts of the car than just the tires. Uneven tire wear can lead to issues with suspension and wheel alignment. Increased stress on critical systems, such as the brakes and steering components, can result in significant wear and tear.
From an environmental perspective, underinflated tires increase greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption. Maintaining proper tire pressure can help reduce your carbon footprint.
Best Practices for Tire Maintenance
To ensure that your tires are performing optimally, you should check your tire pressure regularly with a trustworthy tire pressure gauge. Be sure to inspect each tire, including the vehicle’s spare.
Adjust the tire pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations as needed, taking into account factors like temperature and load. You should also double-check the tire pressure when the weather changes significantly or before long trips.
Modern vehicles often come equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) that can alert you to low tire pressure. If your car does not have TPMS, you may benefit from installing a third-party system.
By following these simple tips and maintaining proper tire pressure, you can benefit from improved vehicle performance, less money spent on fuel, and enhanced safety on the road.
More Automotive Article
