Advancements in technology have made keeping the correct tire pressure in your vehicle easier for many drivers. Newer vehicles often utilize a tire pressure monitoring system that can alert drivers via a dashboard warning light that one of their tires is low on air. Some tire pressure monitoring systems are even advanced enough to tell drivers which tire is low and what the current tire pressure is in each of their tires at any given moment. So, why is maintaining the correct tire pressure important? Find out below.
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Why maintaining the correct tire pressure is important
While tire pressure can seem like a trivial matter to some drivers, it is actually a very important part in vehicle maintenance. The air in your tires is constantly expanding and contracting due to outside temperatures and overinflated tires and underinflated tires can pose serious driving hazards.
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What happens if a tire is overinflated?
When you are driving around on overinflated tires you are at greater risk of damaging your tires. Considering their hefty cost, this is something you will probably want to avoid. Overinflated tires can lead to quicker wear and tear and are more easily punctured by road debris. Not to mention, the ride quality and vehicle handling will also be compromised.
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What happens if a tire is underinflated?
Underinflated tires are also prone to increased wear and tear and poor vehicle handling. They can also negatively impact the fuel economy of your vehicle leading to more trips at the pump. Lastly, when your tires are underinflated the friction from the road can cause them to overheat which could result in extreme tire damage and even a blowout leaving you at the side of the road.
If your vehicle is not equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system, we recommend getting in the habit of checking your tire pressure each time you stop for gas and even more often during extreme weather and/or temperature changes.
