How often do you check your tire pressure? If you’re like the majority of drivers, it’s not nearly often enough. And that’s a problem because tires are one of your car’s most important safety devices—right after the brakes. So why is either too much or too little pressure a bad thing.
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Too much pressure reduces the footprint of the tire. This means that less of the tire hits the road while driving, which creates more bouncing and less traction, and can seriously impact stopping distances.
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Too little pressure means more of your tire touches the pavement, and that increases friction and uneven wearing. It also increases the chances of overheating and tread separation—both of which can lead to reduced control in braking and cornering.
Always check your owner’s manual or the sticker on the door jam of the car for the recommended tire pressure: Don’t go by what’s marked on your tires. That number is the maximum allowable air pressure—and it can be a lot higher than what’s actually right for your vehicle.
Some tips on maintaining tire pressure:
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Check pressure once a month, or seasonally at the very least.
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Always take a “cold” measurement. That means check tires after they’ve been sitting for a few hours. A “hot” reading after you’ve been driving is usually less accurate.
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Don’t go by looks. Your tires could be over or under inflated by a good ten pounds and still look normal to the eye.
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If you’re heading out on a long road trip, check the tire pressure in all tires, including your spare before you leave, just to play it safe.
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Be particularly mindful of your tires in the winter. Tires can lose up to one pound of pressure per square inch every time the temperature drops 10 degrees.
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If possible, use a digital gauge to check the pressure. Other types tend to be less accurate.
Regularly checking your tire pressure can help increase your car’s safety and performance—and help you get the maximum amount of mileage out of your tires. Isn’t it worth taking the five minutes to check?
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