If you’re caring for your car responsibly, something as simple as car tire pressure may not be a major consideration until it becomes a big deal. Here at Valley Auto in Renton at Beetlesmith’s, we hear from so many of our customers about how important car tire pressure is. It’s something of a behind-the-scenes issue and will influence just about every activity associated with your driving and your car. It is fundamental to your car’s safety and your wallet.
Why Car Tire Pressure is Important
1. Tire Pressure and Road Safety Are Interrelated
Tires are the only components in your vehicle that come into contact with the road. If your tires don’t have the proper pressure, your vehicle will not respond the way you want it to.The contact patch is larger when under-inflation is present, which may sound desirable, but it results in impaired stability and poor handling characteristics. This will cause the vehicle to take longer to change direction when steering, as well as increased times when braking, particularly when it is wet and rainy, as well as in an emergency stop situation. Over-inflation results in a smaller contact patch, leading to lack of traction and uncomfortable riding.Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is made to alert you when the car tire pressure is getting too low compared to what is recommended by your manufacturer. Paying attention to such warning signs can help you avoid loss of control situations before they actually happen.
2. Car Tire Pressure and Its Relation to Fuel Economy
Because of this, one of the most useful reasons to ensure proper PSI (pounds per square inch) in your tires is: Fuel SavingsUnder-inflated tires result in increased tire drag, which translates to increased fuel consumption to keep the wheels turning, much like pedaling with flat tires on a bicycle. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, driving with well-inflated tires can raise fuel efficiency by 3% relative to driving while under-inflated.It may not seem like a big difference at first, but over time, it can add up, especially if you use your car frequently for commuting and other long journeys.
3. More Uniform Tire Wear and Longer Tire Life
Another advantage of the right tire pressure for a car is patterns of tire wear.Tires that are too soft tend to degrade faster on the outer sidewalls, while tires that are over-inflated deteriorate faster in the center section. Both ways, you're getting less time out of the tire than you could have been if it had worn more evenly. If you are constantly checking car tire pressure so that it is set precisely as the automobile manufacturer recommends, this is one way to extend the life span of the tire because it wears more evenly, which slows down the expense of needing new tire rotations, among other expenses related to tire rotation.
4. A Smoother Ride and Better Handling
While car tire pressure has a lot to do with consumer safety and fuel, vehicle comfort is another area in which tire pressure plays a role.Well-inflated tires mean better absorption of road irregularities on your vehicle in comparison to under- or over-inflated tires. Equalized tires ensure smooth handling of the vehicle, instilling confidence in the driver while navigating through city or countryside roads.
5. Temperature and Seasonal Changes Matter
As someone living within or around the Renton area, you may notice that the change in seasons affects the temperature change, which then alters car tire pressure as it expands and contracts due to the laws of physics.What this means is that your tire pressure might be just right during a warm afternoon but slightly low by a few PSI when you check it in the early morning after a chilly night. Since it is known that pressure is affected by temperatures, it is, therefore, advisable to check your tire pressure frequently, especially during changes in seasons or just before embarking on long journeys.
6. Lower Risk of Blowouts and Breakdowns
Another problem posed by improper car tire pressure is the risk of a blowout. When a tire is not properly inflated, it means that it will be flexing as it rolls, and this can generate a heat build-up inside of it. Although this can take time to occur, a blowout may result, which can be very dangerous.On the other hand, overinflated tires will be more likely to suffer damage from impact while navigating over potholes and sharp objects on the road that could potentially cause punctures and damage to the sidewalls.Regular checks and adjustments of pressure will go a long way in reducing these risks and giving you a better chance of arriving at your destination safely.
7. How Frequently Should You Check Car Tire Pressure?
Once a month is recommended by tire experts, as well as before every long trip, as the best time to check tire pressure is when the tires are cold—that is, before you have driven your vehicle, or even parked it for a few hours.Use a good tire pressure gauge (most cars will already have one as part of the TPMS system, but it's also good to have a separate one on hand) and follow the manufacturer's recommended PSI. This information will most likely be located on a sticker inside the door jamb on the driver's side or in your owner's manual, and it will not be on the tire itself.You could take your vehicle down to Beetlesmith's Valley Auto Service in Renton, where they could check the pressure in your tires and even help you adjust it if you prefer that professionals take care of it. It only takes a couple of minutes, and it could mean better safety on the road as well as savings on fuel.
Final Thoughts
Something as trivial as tire pressure has implications for virtually all aspects of vehicular performance. Maintaining your vehicle’s tire pressures at the manufacturer’s recommended settings:
Enhances safety and handling
Enables you to improve fuel economy
Extends the life of your tires
Helps provide a smooth and comfortable ride
Minimizes your risk of costly blowouts or unexpected breakdowns
At Beetlesmith’s Valley Auto, serving the Renton area, we know that checking car tire pressure is something that is important to you, and that is our priority too. It may not be at the top of every person’s to-do list, but checking tire pressure is one of the most important aspects of car tire maintenance.If it has been some time since checking tire pressure or car tire maintenance, come see us, and we will be happy to set up an appointment to get that taken care of. Contact us right away!
