There are small things you can do to help increase your safety on the road. One of those most easily neglected is keeping an eye on the pressure in your tires.
Keeping your car’s tires properly inflated is one of the key aspects of tire maintenance. Tires that contain the specified amount of air pressure last longer and contribute to vehicle safety.
Did you know it is dangerous to run your tires too high or too low?
It’s important to check your tire pressure regularly – once a week is best, but no less than once a month and always before a long trip! Low tire pressure affects braking distances and results in less responsive steering and handling. This can be especially dangerous when an emergency stop is needed to avoid a collision.
In addition, low pressure allows tire sidewalls to flex excessively, which generates heat. While moderate heat simply accelerates tire tread wear; high heat can lead to loss of tread segments or even blowouts.
Underinflated tires also have higher rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. And, they wear more rapidly at the outer edges of the tread, which means replacement will be necessary sooner than with properly inflated tires.
Overinflated tires are less of an issue. However, consistently overinflated tires provide a less compliant ride and suffer more rapid wear in the center of the tread, which again means replacement will be necessary sooner than with properly inflated tires.
Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual or the tire specification decal on the driver-side door frame to ensure you get the correct information for your car. Better yet, drive in to Mr. Lube and see one of the friendly Tire Experts!
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