As a driver, you may have heard the importance of keeping the right tire pressure for your vehicle. But do you know why it matters? Low or high tire pressure can negatively impact your car’s performance, fuel efficiency, comfort, and safety. In this blog, we'll explain why keeping the right tire pressure is crucial and provide you with some tips on how to maintain it.
Safety concerns: The most important reason to keep the right tire pressure is safety. Low tire pressure can cause a blowout, especially at high speeds or when driving on challenging terrain. Low tire pressure can also make your car harder to handle, reduce stopping power, and affect your ability to steer or brake properly. It also leads to decreased performance of your vehicle's traction control system and stability control system. Thus, it is essential to keep the right tire pressure to ensure the safety of you and your passengers.
Fuel efficiency and performance: Another reason to maintain the correct tire pressure is to improve fuel efficiency and performance. When your tires are properly inflated, they help your car consume less fuel, resulting in a higher gas mileage. Additionally, inadequate tire pressure can negatively affect handling and braking, leading to a ride that feels rough or bumpy. Keeping the right tire pressure, on the other hand, ensures a smooth ride, optimum performance, and overall efficient use of fuel.
Tire wear and damage: If your tires are under-inflated, the outer edges of the tire tend to wear out faster than the middle portion. Under-inflation can also lead to tire damage and premature tire wear. Over-inflated tires, on the other hand, wear out the middle part of the tire, making it more dangerous to drive on. A tire that is perfectly inflated gives a much more even wear to all the parts and has shown to increase tire life up to 10%.
How to Check Your Tire Pressure: Now that the importance of keeping the right tire pressure is clear, it's time to make sure you know how to check it. You can check tire pressure at any gas station, or purchase a tire pressure gauge. Your car manual will also have the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) pressure for your car, and it's important to always check your tire pressure when the tires are cool, not when you have driven a long distance.
Maintaining Tire Pressure: Lastly, it's essential to maintain the correct tire pressure. You should regularly check your tire pressure to make sure it's within the recommended range. Additionally, you should inspect your tires visually for any signs of damage or wear. If you notice that one tire is consistently losing air, it may be time to have it checked by a professional. Also, it is vital to keep your tires inflated the same in the front and rear, as well as to make sure that all tires are within the recommended range.
Keeping the correct tire pressure is essential for your car's safety, fuel efficiency, and performance. Regularly checking and maintaining your tire pressure is an easy and important task you can do to ensure your car is running smoothly and safely. Follow the tips mentioned in this blog to maintain the correct tire pressure for your vehicle and enjoy the excellent handling, fuel efficiency, and safety.
All About Tire Pressure: Why it Matters and How to Keep It in Check
Posted by Angie King on