Tire Care and Safety Guide
Proper Tire Inflation
Maintaining proper air pressure is the most important thing drivers can do for their tires. It is important to check your air pressure regularly, to make sure your tires are neither under- nor over-inflated.
An important thing to remember during the winter is that it is estimated that the average tire will lose one pound of pressure for every 10 degrees drop in outside temperature. But, because the air inside the tire gets acclimated to the outside temperature the tire pressure will not automatically increase when the outside temperature rises.
Under-inflation causes increased tread wear on the outside edges of the tire. It also generates excessive heat, which reduces tire durability and can lead to tire failure. Finally, it reduces your fuel economy by increasing rolling resistance - soft tires make your vehicle work harder.
Over-inflation is also detrimental to the tire. Too much air pressure causes the center of the tread to bear the majority of the car's weight, which leads to faster and uneven tire wear. Any kind of uneven wear will shorten the lifespan of your tires.
A mix of over-inflated and under-inflated tires on the same vehicle is disaster in the making. This combination, besides causing tire wear, can cause extreme and unsafe handling characteristics while driving.
To find the proper air pressure for your tires, look in the vehicle owner's manual or on the driver's side doorjamb. Check your tire pressure at least once a month, and use a good quality air gauge. Or, simply drop by Tire Town and have your air pressure checked and corrected for free.


