It is recommended that you check the pressure of each one of your tires once a month. This is because tires that are not properly inflated, whether they be under-or over-inflated, can be problematic or dangerous. Here are three problems that are associated with having improperly inflated tires.
Excessive Tear Wear
When your tires are under-or over-inflated, your tires may wear unevenly or excessively. This is something that you should be concerned with as excessive or uneven tire wear can shorten the lifespan of your tires, leading you to have to replace them more frequently. Tires that are under-or over-inflated do not roll over the road in the straight, even path that they are designed to, which is why the tire wear occurs. Tires that are worn can also cause you to slip and slide on a slick, wet, or icy road, increasing your chances of being involved in an accident.
Decreased Fuel Efficiency
When your tires are under-inflated, your car may not be getting the best gas mileage. Under-inflated tires are harder for your vehicle to move. In turn, this means that your engine has to work harder to get the tires to move, which is why your car is using more fuel. It is recommended that you check the tire pressure of your vehicle once a month, as tire pressure naturally decreases as you use your car. It is also recommended that you check the tire pressure of your tires after having a heavier-than-normal load in your vehicle. Lastly, if you notice you are getting fewer miles per gallon in your tank, it may be time to check your tire pressure.
An Uneven Ride
The final problem associated with improperly inflated tires is an uneven or bumpy ride. One of the common misconceptions out there is that there are few problems associated with over-inflating your tires. One of the problems that is commonly linked back to tires that are over-inflated is a bumpy or uneven ride. When your tires are over-inflated, you may feel every bump, crack, or pothole present in the road. Tires that are properly inflated roll over the road as they are designed to, providing you with the smoothest ride possible.
The manufacturer’s recommendation for proper inflation of your tires is located on the inner door panel of your driver’s door. Open your door and look for a sticker that lists the proper PSI amount, and then check your tires once a month to ensure they are properly inflated. If you are unsure of how to inflate your tires or you suspect your tires have sustained damage, a car repair shop, such as us here at Morgan Automotive Repair, can help. Call and schedule an appointment with one of our locations in Tracy, Stockton, or Manteca today to get the tire and auto repair assistance you may need.