Importance of proper tire pressure
Importance of proper tire pressure
Posted on December 4, 2021
It is no secret that tires play a vital role in every automobile. Obviously, if your tire is flat, you will not be able to drive on it. If you did decide to drive on a flat tire, it could cause damage to the wheel and other components of the vehicle. While many people know the dangers of driving on a tire that is completely flat, they don't understand the dangers of driving on a tire that is not properly inflated. Is it dangerous to put too much air in your tire? Can you still drive on a tire that has low air pressure? Keep reading to find out the answers to these questions and more.
Dangers of Having Low Tire Pressure
Having low tire pressure can cause damage to your tire, which can be both dangerous and expensive. When your tire does not have enough air, it can cause the sidewall of the tire to bend and flex. Over time, this will cause cracks and damage. Also, the flexing of the tire can cause an increased amount of heat to build up inside of the tire which can damage the read and even cause dangerous blowouts.
Also, when a tire has low air pressure, the braking system can be less responsive. This means that it will take you longer to come to a complete stop. Not having enough air in your tire can also reduce your fuel economy, which means that you will have to make more frequent stops at the pumps.
Dangers of Overinflating Tires
Overinflated tires can be just as dangerous and underinflated tires. When a tire has too much air, the tread and the sidewall become firmer. This can cause the tire to drive unevenly which can cause uneven wear on the tread. This could also result in a decrease in traction. When the tire is hard because of too much pressure, it will also cause the vehicle to have a harsher ride.
How to Determine the Proper Tire Pressure
If your vehicle was made after 2003, there should be a sticker that is located on the driver's side door frame that indicates the proper amount of psi for your tires. If you drive an older car, the sticker that has the correct psi information may be located inside of the trunk lid or inside of the glove box. If you do not find a sticker on any of the locations that have been listed, you can also check your vehicle's owner manual.
It is important to note that some tires will have the recommended amount of air pressure stamped to the sidewall. This number does not indicate how much air can be used for your particular vehicle. This is why you should always look at your vehicle's manufacturer recommendations instead of what is on the tire.
How to Check the Tire Pressure
Most newer modelled cars will come with a tire pressure monitor system. This system will not only alert you when your tire pressure is low, but it will also allow you to check the tire pressure whenever you want. While this is a handy system to have, it is still a good idea to have a tire pressure gauge in your car. This will help to ensure that you always have the right amount of tire pressure, even if the digital monitor system malfunctions.
If you need any help determining the proper amount of tire pressure for your tires, please feel free to contact us today. Our experienced service technicians will be more than happy to help answer any of your tire questions.