As a driver, it is important to check your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and premature tire wear. They can also be dangerous, especially if you are driving at high speeds. In this blog post, we will teach you how to check your tire pressure using a tire gauge. We will also discuss the importance of keeping your tires properly inflated and some common symptoms of underinflation.
Your Tires and Tire Pressure
Tires are one of the most important parts of your car. They provide traction and stability, and they help you stop and start safely. Your tires also play a role in fuel economy; properly inflated tires can improve your gas mileage by up to 3%. Tire pressure is the amount of air inside your tire. Every tire has a recommended pressure, which can be found in your car’s owner’s manual or on the sticker inside your driver’s door. It is important to check your tire pressure regularly and inflate your tires to the recommended pressure.
The Dangers of Underinflated Tires
AAA explains that low tire pressures affect braking distances and provide less responsive steering and handling. This can be especially dangerous when an emergency stop or sudden evasive maneuver is needed to avoid a collision. In addition, low pressures allow tire sidewalls to flex excessively, which generates heat. While moderate heat simply accelerates tire tread wear; high heat can lead to loss of tread segments or even blowouts. Underinflated tires also have higher rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. And, they wear more rapidly at the outer edges of the tread, which means replacement will be necessary sooner than with properly inflated tires. Overinflated tires are less of an issue. Modern tires can easily withstand pressures that exceed those recommended for normal driving. However, consistently overinflated tires provide a less compliant ride and suffer more rapid wear in the center of the tread, which again means replacement will be necessary sooner than with properly inflated tires.
How to Check Your Tire Pressure
To check your tire pressure, you will need a tire gauge. You can find a tire gauge at most auto parts stores, or you can buy one online. To use a tire gauge, start by removing the cap from your tire’s valve stem. Then, place the tip of the gauge on the valve and press down until you hear a hissing sound. This will allow air to flow into the gauge so it can get an accurate reading. Once you have a reading, compare it to the recommended pressure for your tires. If your tires are underinflated, use an air compressor or hand pump to inflate them to the correct pressure. If your tires are overinflated, you can release some air by pressing on the valve with the tip of the tire gauge.
The Importance of Properly Inflated Tires
As we have seen, there are many dangers associated with underinflated tires. For this reason, it is important to check your tire pressure regularly and inflate your tires to the correct pressure. It is also important to remember that tire pressure can change with temperature. In colder weather, tire pressure will decrease as the air inside your tires contracts. In warmer weather, tire pressure will increase as the air inside your tires expands. For this reason, it is a good idea to check your tire pressure more often in extreme temperatures. If you are unsure about how to properly inflate your tires, or if you don’t have the time to do it yourself, stop by Scott’s Auto today!
Tire Care with Scott’s Auto
At Scott’s Auto, we are committed to helping our customers keep their cars in top condition. We offer a variety of services, including tire pressure checks and tire inflation. If your car is needing tire services, stop on by a Scott’s Auto location nearest you today!