Your car tires have an important role to play in the safety of your journey. The last thing you want is worn-out tires from improper pressure. It can lead to serious accidents, affect driving comfort, eat up your fuel and reduce tire life.
Both underinflated and overinflated tires can do you in. High tire pressure makes the car lose grip on the road. Low tire pressure increases friction between the road, making them prone to overheating, squealing or in worst cases, separate from the tread. Temperature changes can also lead to tire pressure changes. For every drop of 10 degrees in air temperature, tire pressure drops by a pound per square inch. Accurate tire pressure is important to ensure a safe and comfortable ride.
It helps to keep a few things in mind to prolong tire life and maximize your vehicle’s fuel economy.
Overinflated Tires
Do your tires feel hard and rigid? Can you see the tire marks on muddy paths clearly or do they appear faint? If the rubber is not in full contact with the road, you know your tires are overinflated. It’s hard to control your car at such times. Overinflated tires can pop and lead to a flat, leading to serious accidents or inconvenience.
Underinflated Tires
If the tires feel a bit soft on the road or you feel the need to exert more pressure while steering, they may be underinflated. Less pressure can also make the ride bumpy and uncomfortable.
Underinflated tires can reduce fuel economy by 5% or more since your engine needs more exertion. It may be difficult to steer and control the car. Your tires will wear out soon too.
4 Guidelines to Check Tire Pressure
- The tires should be inflated to the recommended PSI mentioned in the manufacturer’s instruction manual or on the driver’s door jamb, and measured with an air pressure gauge.
- Make sure you check the pressure before you set out, not after you are back from a drive. The reading will be inaccurate after the car is driven.
- Tire pressure will drop in the cold winters and rise in hot summers. Every time the season changes, get your tire pressure checked.
- New cars come with a tire pressure monitoring system so you are automatically alerted when the pressure changes. Older models may not have this system. Keep a small tire pressure gauge with you at all times so you don’t need to take a reading on different systems. Different gauges tend to show different results. Tire gauges are available in auto parts stores and most gas stations.
Right Tech Auto – Audi, Mississauga, On
For regular tire pressure maintenance, visit Right Tech Auto – Audi. We are a full-service auto maintenance shop offering routine procedures and repair services in Mississauga and surrounding areas to keep your vehicle in good shape. Call us for a complimentary vehicle inspection or a tire pressure gauge and drive stress-free.
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