Often overlooked by most of us, the importance of tire pressure plays a significant role in our vehicles ability to stop properly, accelerate, turn/corner, handle, and even play a role in our MPG’s. With fuel prices escalating, one way to save is to check and maintain proper tire pressure.
How to find your tire pressure
On most cars there is a sticker just inside the driver’s door when the vehicle is opened. Also, it can be located in the Owner’s manual usually under vehicles specs, or under wheels/tires. It’s really that simple. Manufacturers make pertinent data like this more accessible to consumers. Here is a quick example.
Most cars recommend pressures falls between 30-35 psi, making 32psi the sweet spot in many cases. Always check your owner’s manual in the event sticker is not available.
Cost of underinflated tires
It is safest to avoid driving on underinflated tires. An underinflated tire can cause your vehicles to pull to one direction while driving. Driving on low tires causes poor handling since the sidewalls of the tire can flex more.
They will also cost your more in fuel with all the added drag put on the engine. Just imagine Trying to ride a bike with underinflated tires. It’s much more difficult than when the tires are properly inflated. Check your tire pressure and increase your MPG’s and prolong the life your tire. Yes, tires prematurely and un-evenly wear when underinflated costing YOU once again.
Cost of over inflated tires
Tires that are overinflated will cause handling issues and poor fuel economy, and premature wear. (Starting to see a trend here).
Driving on an overinflated tire is like driving on an overinflated balloon. It is much more prone to damage or blowout from pot holes, curbs, even debris on the roads we make our daily commute. These bumps can also translate there way into the suspension and cabin making for uncomfortable ride for passengers.
Since most of the contact will come from the center of the tire, that center strip wears down prematurely causing tires to be replaced more frequently. Also it is dangerous to drive in inclement weather with only a thin margin of traction.
Proper tire pressure = Optimal MPG’s
Most of us are looking for a new way to save on fuel. By simply checking and maintaining correct tire pressure you can not only save at the pump but prolong the life of your tires and possibly other costly suspension repairs.
Hope this quick tip helped.
