Why Does Vehicle Tire Pressure Matter So Much, Anyway?
When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, checking your tire pressure and adding or releasing air is one of the most simple yet important tasks you should be completing on a regular basis. In fact, you should ideally be checking your car's tire pressure at least once a month, being careful to always inflate to the PSI recommended by your tire manufacturer.
So why does tire pressure matter so much, anyway?
It Optimizes Your Traction
Your tires are designed to "grip" the road when they're properly inflated to the correct PSI, resulting in optimized traction and handling in even less-than-ideal road conditions. If your tires are over-inflated, there is not enough surface area of the tire coming into contact with the road. As a result, your traction will suffer.
It Can Maximize Fuel Economy
Believe it or not, over- and under-inflated tires can result in poor fuel economy for your vehicle. That's because your tires are designed to carry your car most efficiently when they're inflated to the correct tire pressure. Under-inflated tires can make your engine work harder to get your vehicle from point A to point B, thus reducing your fuel efficiency.
It Ensures Proper Wear and Tear
One of the most important reasons to keep your tires properly inflated is that doing so can help to ensure the wear and tear on your tires occurs as evenly as possible. This, in turn, can prolong the life of your tires and thus save you money on premature replacement. To further ensure even wear on your tires, you should also have them rotated as needed.
It Can Save You From a Flat
Last but certainly not least, maintaining the correct tire pressure can save you from experiencing a flat tire or even a dangerous tire blowout. Driving with too much air in your tires can make your vehicle more prone to getting a flat when you run over something sharp because it reduces the amount of "cushion," whereas driving without enough air in your tires can increase friction between the tires and the road, making you more prone to a tire blowout.
These are just a few of the many reasons to check and maintain your vehicle's tire pressure at all times. If in doubt, you can always head down to your local tire shop to have them check your pressure and make sure your tires are filled properly. You can also contact a company like Evans Tire & Service Centers.
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