As the weather gets colder, your car might alert you of low tire pressure. Especially on cold mornings. This is because the cold weather forces the air in your tire to contract, resulting in the tire being more empty. Tires with inadequate air in them can be a cause for concern because they can lead to tire blowouts and other vehicle issues. It’s important to know how to check your tire pressure manually, even if your car has a sensor. And finally, it’s also important to perform routine maintenance on your car. This will keep it running in tip-top shape and allow you to be safer on the road.
Low Tire Pressure Dangers: What You Need to Know
Blowouts
One of the biggest concerns with low tire pressure is an increased risk of a tire
blowout. When your tires are flatter, more of their surface touches the road. This allows more of the tire to heat up and can lead to a tire blowout. These can be extremely dangerous because they often happen suddenly at very high speeds and can make the vehicle difficult to handle.
Other Concerns
Aside from blowouts, low tire pressure can also lead to other issues with your car. It can compromise how your car handles and brakes. In addition, it can reduce your fuel efficiency. Low pressure can also result in uneven wear and tear on your tires which can lead to frequent flats and the need for replacement.
How to Check Tire Pressure
Most modern cars come equipped with sensors that can let you know when you have low tire pressure. However, it’s helpful to know how to check your tires manually with a
pressure gauge as well. Check your vehicle’s recommended PSI, then take off the cap of the tire’s valve. Apply your pressure gauge over the valve and allow air to push the gauge out. This will allow you to read your tire’s current PSI.
Basic Maintenance
Aside from manually checking your car for low tire pressure with a pressure gauge, it’s also good to perform routine maintenance. Taking your car in periodically to a car repair shop will allow professionals to test all parts of it. They can rotate tires, check for any tire damage, and check out your car’s engine as well. In addition to routine maintenance, glance at your tires visually before getting into your car. You can often see if a tire is low on the pressure just with the naked eye.
Low tire pressure can be extremely dangerous and isn’t something to ignore. When a warning light comes on on your dash indicating that your tires are low, it’s important to stop soon and refill them. Ignoring the problem could lead to an increased risk of a tire blowout, uneven wear and tear, and poor fuel efficiency. Learn to check your tires manually with a pressure gauge, and perform visual checks before you drive. In addition, make sure that you bring your car in for routine maintenance as suggested. Hopefully, by taking good care of your car and tires, you’ll reduce your risk of tire failure and increase the life of your tires.
