Why is the proper tire inflation important?
Tires are probably the most overlooked part of vehicle maintenance, yet very important for operation.
Under-inflation can:
- reduce the useful life of tires by causing the tire to wear more quickly
- cause increased temperature in tires resulting in tire damage
- hurt fuel economy due to increased rolling resistance
- negatively affect handling
- decrease tire carrying capacity, and create an overload on tires
The most common cause of tire failure is under-inflation.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and under-inflation may influence automobile accidents by contributing to:
- skidding and/or a loss of control in a curve, like an off-ramp maneuver coming off of a highway at high speed, or simply taking a curve at high speed.
- skidding and/or loss of control in a lane change maneuver.
- hydroplaning on a wet surface, which can affect both stopping distance and skidding and/or loss of control.
- increased in stopping distance.
- flat tires and blowouts.
- overloading the vehicle.