If you are like many drivers, you may not think about your tires very often unless you have a flat or your mechanic tells you it's time to have your tires replaced. However, if you are not checking your tire pressure regularly, this could lead to a number of problems that could cost you money and even put your safety at risk. In fact, many drivers do not realize the impact improper tire pressure can have on their vehicles. If you are not currently checking your tire pressure at least once a month, keep reading as we look at how incorrect tire pressure could be affecting your car.
Increased Fuel Consumption
If you are not checking your tire pressure regularly and your tires are below the recommended pressure levels, you could be wasting a significant amount of money in increased fuel consumption. Believe it or not, low tire pressure can have a major impact on gas mileage because under-inflated tires increase drag, which means that the vehicle must expend more energy to attain the same speed. Even driving with your tires just 6 PSI below the recommended level could increase fuel consumption by five percent, which can quickly add up.
Increased Stopping Distances
Improperly inflated tires can also make it difficult to stop your car. Over or under-inflated tires have less traction on the road, which means that it will take longer for your brakes to stop your car. Making sure that your tires are the correct PSI is then essential in ensuring your safety on the road. This is particularly critical in inclement weather when the roads may be wet and have reduced traction, as improperly inflated tires would make it even harder to stop, significantly increasing your risk of being involved in an accident.
Poor Steering Control
Tires are designed to work optimally at their recommended inflation levels. If your tires are under-inflated, this can affect the handling of your vehicle, making it difficult to turn properly due to the deformation experienced during cornering. Under cornering forces, under-inflated tires can cause the outside edge of the wheel to lift off the road surface, significantly reducing handling. This can end up causing an accident if you are not able to steer properly, and it can make it nearly impossible to avoid hazards on the road.
Shorter Tire Life
Improperly inflated tires can not only cost you money in reduced fuel efficiency, but it can also cause you to have to replace your tires more frequently by reducing tread life. When your tires are overinflated, less of the tire touches the ground, putting more weight on a smaller section of the tire. This extra force on a small section of the tire causes the tire tread to wear out faster. Alternatively, having under-inflated tires can cause damage to the sidewalls of your tires when turning, causing even new tires to need to be replaced. Ensuring your tires are properly inflated can then save you a lot of money in the long run.
Greater Risk of Blow-Outs
Tires are made to flex and deform while driving to adapt to road conditions. However, under-inflated tires flex too much, which can cause the sidewalls of the tire to overheat. This can cause rapid deterioration of the sidewall, which could cause it to rupture suddenly. In fact, under-inflation by 25% triples the risk of blowouts. Blowouts at high speeds can be dangerous and potentially cause an accident making it critical that you check your tire pressure regularly.
Trust the Tire Pros at Sunset Cadillac of Bradenton
Making sure your tires are properly inflated is essential in ensuring your safety on the road. You should then make a point of checking your tire pressure at least once a month. Most gas stations have stations where you can check and fill your tires, or you can stop by your local tire shop or car dealer to have your tires checked. Unsure about how to keep your vehicle’s tires in great shape? Drop by our Bradenton service center and trust our pros with all of your tire needs!
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