Why It's Important to Maintain the Right PSI
If you’re not already doing this, make a habit of routinely checking the tire pressure on your vehicle’s tires every month! This practice will help keep you safe and avoid potential headaches down the road.
What does psi mean and why is it so important?
The tire itself does not support the weight of your vehicle — actually, it’s the air within the tire that supports it. If you look on the inside of your car’s door jamb or check your owner’s manual, you’ll find the manufacturer’s recommended psi (pounds per square inch) for your vehicle’s tires. Do not rely on the numbers given on the tire itself, as it may display the maximum pressure the tire can hold, rather than the manufacturer’s recommended psi level — it’s important to realize there is a difference! Maintaining your tire pressure to the manufacturer’s recommended psi level is crucial for your safety and your vehicle’s performance.
Proper tire pressure helps to keep you safe.
When your tire pressure falls below the recommended level, it can cause friction between the tire and the road. This friction can contribute to losing control of the vehicle or potentially experiencing a blowout and could put your life at risk and others’ as well.
Proper psi helps your tires last longer.
If your tires are not properly inflated, they will wear unevenly or faster than normal, compromising their longevity. This means you’ll have to shell out cash a lot sooner for a new set of tires.
The ride is more comfortable.
If your tire pressure is too high, the ride may feel bumpier and harder because less of the tire’s surface comes in contact with the road. Also,your stopping distance and traction will be affected. Maintaining the correct psi ensures the smoothest ride possible.
It can improve your gas mileage.
Properly inflating your tires will help you to maximize your gas mileage. When tires are underinflated, they cling more heavily to the road, making your car work harder (i.e., use more gasoline) to move.
If you have any questions about finding the proper psi for your tires or filling your tires up correctly, give us a call — we’re glad to help!