Keeping your tires properly inflated is one way that can save you money and help maintain your vehicles health. Each car has its own set of specifications that it must operate within in order to function at its maximum potential. One of the main things that varies from car to car is the ideal tire pressure. Because tires can be easily inflated, car owners majority of the time inflate their tires themselves. This can result in over or under-inflation. Others may forget to regulate the tire pressure all together. Here Doug Yates Towing & Recovery discusses why it is important to keep your tires properly inflated.
Checking Your Tires Pressure
To find the correct tire pressure for your vehicle, it is best to refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or look for the tire specification decal on your driver-side doorframe. Never use the pressure indicated on the sidewall of the tire. This indicates the number required to meet the tire’s full-rated load-carrying capacity. Once you know what the tire pressure should be, make sure all four tires are properly inflated.
Maximize Fuel Economy
Saving fuel saves you money. When tires are properly inflated your vehicle gets better gas mileage. This allows you to travel further without needing to fill up. One study shows that wheels under-inflated by 30 percent lost up to 10 percent fuel economy.
Minimize Tire Wear
Low air pressure causes extensive wear and is the number one cause of tire blowouts and failures. The Tire Maintenance Council reports that tires running ten percent under-inflated lose up to sixteen percent of their tread life. Along with regular routine check-ups, maintaining the appropriate tire pressure in all four tires will help to decrease your chances of further tire issues.
Increased Safety
Properly inflated tires provide better vehicle handling. When tire pressure is too low or too high the vehicle is not able to maintain the right amount of traction on the road, and driving gets more dangerous. According to the Society of Automotive Engineers, 260,000 accidents each year are due to low tire pressure. This may be, in part, because low tire pressure increases the vehicle’s required braking distance and has a dramatic effect on steering and handling. Also, tires that are correctly inflated help extend the tire casing life, resulting in blowouts.
Inflation Tips
To keep your wheels performing at their best it’s recommended to check the tire pressure regularly. If you have a newer vehicle, most are equipped with tire pressure readers. If you have an older vehicle, it’s generally good to check once a week and before any long road trip. Here are some helpful tips:
- Check and adjust your tire pressure in the morning before driving on them. Unused tires give the most accurate reading. When the rubber gets warm from usage, it is common for there to be an increased pressure reading.
- Weather will affect tire pressure. Winter weather may cause the pressure to drop, while summer weather can cause the pressure to increase.
- Use a quality tire pressure gauge when you check the tires. Digital and dial gauges are the most accurate. Using the same gauge each time you check your tires will help to ensure you are getting a consistent reading every time.
- Check your owner’s manual to see if your vehicle manufacturer recommends that you increase pressures for towing, carrying heavy loads, or extended highway travel.
Need A Tow?
Are you having trouble with your tires? A blowout or other tire problems can occur at any point with inadequate tires. Make sure to always properly inflate your tires to avoid a serious injury. If you end up with a blown-out tire and need a tow be sure to call Doug Yates Towing & Recovery. The “Road Service” Division of Doug Yates Towing & Recovery, LLC has four fully equipped service trucks with the latest technology in computer diagnostics available. Call us today for service.