How do car tires work? It’s weird to think about when you look at them. When you drive, they’re just along for the ride and don’t do anything except hold the car up. Wrong! Tires are more complex than that. They interact with a lot of other systems in your vehicle, and they’re what make your drive possible in the first place! Most tires have their PSI (pounds per square inch), which is the most common way (after pounds) to talk about tire pressure.
Why Is Tire Pressure Important?
Tires are the only contact your vehicle has with the road. And underinflated tires can cause uneven tire wear and poor gas mileage, so checking your tire pressure regularly is essential. If you don’t have enough air in your tires, you risk getting a flat or experiencing other problems with your tires.
A blowout on the highway could cause an accident or injury. Most people don’t realize that a tire can explode if it’s underinflated by 25 percent or more. There are reports of tires blowing up at just 50 percent under inflated pressure. That’s because when you drive with too little air in your tires, they’re less stable and more susceptible to damage from potholes and other road hazards. This instability increases the risk of skidding off the road or losing control in bad weather conditions like rain or snow — which is why underinflated tires can lead to deadly accidents on the highway.
If you notice that your vehicle is pulling to one side, one of your tires may have lower pressure than the others. You should also check for uneven wear on your tires, which can be caused by low pressure on just one wheel. Low tire pressure can cause damage to the wheels, suspension, and other components of your car. It can also lead to poor gas mileage and increased stopping distances. If there is too little air in a tire, it will roll over more easily and may cause damage to your car’s interior as well as exterior parts like fenders, hoods, and doors.
What Is PSI?
PSI stands for pounds per square inch and measures how much force is placed on a surface by an object. For example, when you step on the gas pedal, PSI measures how much force is pushing against the floorboard. The higher the number of PSIs, the more force is transmitted through your vehicle’s suspension system and tires onto the ground to propel it forward.
Vehicles require different PSI levels, but most fall within the 20-30 PSI range. For example, a tire with 25 PSI will have more than twice as much pressure as one with 15 PSI.
When To Check Tire Pressure?
It’s essential to check your tire pressure regularly because it can change depending on driving conditions, including speed, load, and temperature. Tire pressures should be checked at least once a month or every time you fill-up with gas — whichever comes first. Ideally, check pressure before starting on a long trip or hitting rough roads where there may be potholes or other obstacles that could cause damage if your tires are underinflated.
How To Check Your Tire Pressure?
Checking your tire pressure is very important, and you should be doing it regularly. If you don’t, you could end up with a flat tire or a blowout that could cause an accident. Your tires are the only thing between your car and the road, so they must be at the correct pressure.
There are two ways to check your tire pressure: You can use a gauge or the built-in air pressure indicator on your dash, and both methods will give you an accurate reading of what your tires need.
Using The Gauge
If possible, use an accurate gauge instead of the built-in air pressure indicator on your dashboard to give you a more accurate reading. You can buy a good digital tire pressure gauge online or at any auto parts store for less than $20. They’re easy to use, and they’ll last forever! If you’re using an analog gauge, ensure it reads in PSI (pounds per square inch), not BAR (barometric units).
Using The Built-In Air Pressure Indicator
Most modern cars have built-in air pressure sensors that let you know when your tires need filling. If yours doesn’t, get a standalone digital gauge so you can check the pressure in all four tires at once.
Need Roadside Assistance?
Doug Yates Towing & Recovery is the reliable Roadside Assistance company you need for your vehicle. When your car breaks down, or you have a flat tire, we’ll provide the roadside assistance services you need. Our wrecker service brings you peace of mind, knowing that if something happens, we will be there to get you back on the road!