Keeping your tires in good shape is
one of the most important aspects of car maintenance. After all, the slightest
inaccuracy with tire pressure can affect safety, handling, and the fuel economy
of your vehicle. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, underinflated
tires can lower gas mileage by 0.2 percent for every 1 psi drop.
Unfortunately, there’s a lot of false information out there about ideal tire
inflation, which in turn causes a lot of damage and a tire replacement bill
that can cost about $400 annually. Auto service technicians warn you not to
fall for these myths to keep safe on the road.
The TPMS Is All You Need to Maintain
Pressure
While the
tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is a helpful feature, it is not the fool
proof tool you’re hoping it to be. The TPMS is designed to electronically track
and display pressure on the gauge and warn drivers if the tires are
underinflated. This has unfortunately lulled a lot of non “tire smart” drivers
into a false sense of security. However, the system will only signal you if the
tires reach a dangerously low tire pressure or lose about 25 percent of their
inflation pressure. Driving on underinflated tires significantly reduces
maneuverability and cornering ability. It also causes unnecessary wear and
gallons of wasted fuel.
Recommended Tire Pressure Is Found on the
Tire
It’s important to
know what the correct tire pressure is for a particular vehicle for proper
inflation. Unfortunately, many drivers think that the tire sidewall is where to
find that crucial detail. In truth, those digits you find there only tell you
what size and type of tire it is, as well as the maximum cold inflation PSI
rate of the car. To find the recommended tire pressure, it’s best to consult
your car’s owner manual. Alternatively, you can look at the inside of the
driver side door. There should be a label there that lists the correct
pressure.
Overinflated Tires Improve Vehicle
Performance
Some drivers
think that keeping tires inflated above the recommended pressure will improve
the car’s performance and fuel consumption. In truth, overinflating your tires
is just as dangerous as underinflating them, if not more so. Running on tires
that have been inflated above the ideal pressure results in reduced handling
and an overall bumpier ride. There is also a risk that the tire could burst.
Both scenarios put you and your passengers at great peril. Worse still,
overinflating hardly ever affects how much you spend on gas.
The best way to
care for your tires is by using a digital tire gauge and filling them up to specification
every month. Replacing your tires once they no longer function properly is also
a good habit to get into.
About McLoughlin Chevrolet
Serving the
Portland area, McLoughlin Chevrolet is a renowned car dealership based in
Milwaukie, OR. We have an extensive inventory of both new and pre-owned cars
that have gone through the most comprehensive inspections. Our qualified and
highly trained technicians are also available to service vehicles and provide
the best value for parts or accessories.
Sources:
Top 5 Tire
Myths Debunked, Geico.com
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