Proper tire care may not seem urgent, but it plays a vital role in keeping you and your passengers safe on the road. Among the most important aspects of tire maintenance is maintaining the correct tire pressure. It affects your vehicle’s handling, fuel efficiency and most importantly, your ability to avoid accidents.
Driving with overinflated or underinflated tires can lead to dangerous outcomes. Uneven wear, blowouts and poor traction are just a few of the issues that stem from improper tire pressure. Regularly checking your tires is a simple habit that could prevent serious harm.
Tips for maintaining correct tire pressure
Making tire pressure checks part of your routine can improve your vehicle’s performance and reduce the risk of tire-related accidents.
- Check pressure when tires are cold: Measure tire pressure after the car has been parked for at least three hours. This gives the most accurate reading, as driving heats up tires and affects the gauge.
- Use the correct source for pressure guidelines: Always use the pressure listed on your vehicle’s Tire and Loading Information Label or in the owner’s manual. Do not rely on the numbers printed on the tire itself.
- Keep a tire gauge in your vehicle: Mechanical and digital gauges are both useful tools to keep in your glove box. Relying solely on dashboard alerts is not enough, as they may only activate once a tire is dangerously low.
- Check all tires, including the spare: A neglected spare tire may not help in an emergency if it is also underinflated. Include it in your monthly checks.
- Adjust air levels gradually: If pressure is too high, release air slowly and recheck. If it is too low, fill incrementally and recheck to avoid overinflation.
Maintaining the correct tire pressure helps prevent car accidents by improving stability, braking and control. It also helps extend the life of your tires and improve fuel economy. Legal guidance can be helpful if tire issues contribute to a collision or injury on the road.
