Why is proper tire pressure important?
Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Three primary areas are affected by improper tire pressure.
1. Safety
a. Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause accidents.
b. If tire pressure it too low, then too much of the tire’s surface area touches the ground, which increases friction between the road and the tire. As a result, not only will your tires wear prematurely, but they also could overheat. Overheating can lead to tread separation and a nasty accident.
c. If tire pressure is too high, then less of the tire touches the ground. As a consequence, your vehicle will bounce around on the road. And when your tires are bouncing instead of firmly planted on the road, traction suffers and so dose your stopping distances. you’ll also feel a decrease in ride comfort.
d. Unequal tire pressures can cause steering problems. You could lose control of your vehicle.
e. Always drive with each tire inflated to the recommended pressure.
2. Economy
a. Improper inflation pressures can cause rapid tread wear resulting in a need for earlier tire replacement. Under inflation also increases tire rolling resistance and results in higher fuel consumption.
b. You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. (Based on information from studies and literature reviews performed by Energy and Environmental Analysis, Inc.)
3. Ride Comfort and Vehicle Stability
a. Proper tire inflation contributes to a comfortable ride. Over inflation produces a jarring and uncomfortable ride. Both under inflation and over inflation affect the stability of the vehicle and can produce a feeling of sluggish response or over-responsiveness.
b. Unequal tire pressures can cause erratic and unpredictable steering response.
Where can I find the tire pressure for my vehicle?
Proper inflation is the single most important part of tire care. The inflation pressure on the side of the tire is the MAXIMUM operating pressure. It is not necessarily the right inflation for your vehicle. Always use the inflation recommended by the vehicles manufacturer.
The correct tire pressure for your vehicle can be found on a printed decal on your door jam, door post, glove box or fuel door.. Also your owner’s manual or a Pamphlet supplied in your owner’s manual package. (Note: If your not using original equipment tires or equivalent, the correct inflation pressure will be provided by the tire retailer.)
See Example
How do I check my tire pressure?
Proper inflation is the single most important part of tire care. The inflation pressure on the side of the tire is the MAXIMUM operating pressure. It is not necessarily the right inflation for your vehicle. Always use the inflation recommended by the vehicles manufacturer.
The "right amount" of air for your tires is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and is shown on the vehicle door edge, door post, glove box door or fuel door. it is also listed in the owner’s manual. (Note: If your not using original equipment tires or equivalent, the correct inflation pressure will be provided by the tire retailer.)
Check tire inflation pressure (including the spare) at least once a mouth and before every long trip. A tire can lose up to half of its air pressure and not appear to be low.
When you check the air pressure, make sure the tires are cool (at air temperature) - meaning they are not hot from driving. You can drive to the gas station a few blocks away to check the pressure, but don’t expect to pull off the highway after driving for an hour and expect to get an accurate reading. Use a good quality tire gauge. (It is normal for tires to heat up and the air pressure inside to go up as you drive. Never "bleed" or reduce air pressure when tires are hot.)
- Remove the valve cap from the valve stem.
- Firmly press a tire gauge onto the valve stem.
- Add air to achieve recommended air pressure.
- If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the valve stem with a fingernail or the tip of a pen. Then recheck the pressure with your tire gauge.
- Replace the valve cap.
- Repeat with each tire, including the spare. (Note some spare tires may require higher inflation pressure.)
- Visually inspect the tires to make sure there are no nails or other objects embedded that could poke a hole in the tire and cause an air leak.
- Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.
Note: Air pressure in a tire goes up (in warm weather) or down (in cold weather) 1-2 pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change.
IMPORTANT:
Minder Research Crop. Warrants this product to be free of manufacturing defects for a period of one year from the date of purchase. If found defective, return to Minder Research Corporation, 271 Glidden Rd, Unit #, Brampton, ON Canada L6W 1H9 (with dated proof of purchase) for immediate replacement. This Warranty is limited to the replacement of the product only and does not extend to any incremental cost incurred should the product fail. In no case shall Minder’s liability exceed the purchase price. (Warranties and liabilities by Minder Research Corp. only). |
