What are some of the negative effects of driving on an under-inflated tire?
When a tire is underinflated, its sidewalls flex more than they were designed to during cornering and braking. The tread, the contact point with the road, squirms. The tire is less stable and has less traction. Response to your steering inputs gets slower and sloppy, and braking distances lengthen.
How do I know if my tires are underinflated?
It’s almost impossible to tell if a tire is under-inflated or over-inflated simply by looking at it. Use a quality tire gauge and if necessary, adjust the air pressure as indicated by the owner’s manual or the vehicle tire placard (usually found on the driver’s side door jamb).
Which is worse over or under-inflated tires?
Underinflated tires are the more dangerous of the two. Over-inflation may not sound harmful, but it can definitely cause increased wear and tear on tires. An overinflated tire is much stiffer and does not bend as much as it should, reducing the amount of the tire that can contact the road.
What happens if my Tyres are under-inflated?
Under-inflation is one of the leading causes of tire failure. If tire pressure is too low, too much of the tire’s surface area touches the road, which increases friction. Increased friction can cause the tires to overheat, which can lead to premature wear, tread separation and blowouts.
How do you fix under inflated tires?
How to Fill Your Tires with Air
- Remove the Valve Stem Cap. Unscrew the plastic cap that sits over the valve stem.
- Use a Tire Pressure Gauge to Measure the Existing Pressure.
- Check the Recommended Tire Pressure for Your Car.
- Inflate the Tires Using an Air Pump.
- Inflate the Tires at the Nearest Gas Station (Optional)
How often should you pump your car tires?
A good rule of thumb to remember is that your tires lose about one PSI every month after you fill them, so checking every month can help you to ensure that they are always inflated to the proper pressure. You won’t see quite as many tire pressure warning lights in summer, but you should still be checking often.
How long can you drive on a low pressure tire?
Once the tires are properly inflated, the light may go off after you’ve driven a few miles. If the light doesn’t automatically turn off after about 10 miles, the TPMS may need to be reset, as directed in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Is it safe to drive with under inflated tires?
Driving on under-inflated tires is dangerous. Increased friction can cause the tires to overheat, which can lead to premature wear, tread separation and blowouts. Blowouts can put the driver of the vehicle with the damaged tire as well as other drivers in harm’s way.