According to studies conducted by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, vehicles lacking ideal tire pressure are three times more likely to be involved in an accident.
With that said, maintaining your tire pressure is important. Here are three reasons why you should be checking your tire pressure regularly.
You’ll Save Money
Over-inflated and under-inflated tires run a much higher risk of damage, puncture, and uneven wear. This means that you’ll need to replace or repair tires much more often than usual, resulting in a slow draining of your wallet.
The condition of your tires can also affect the other car components such as your breaks and suspension.
That means on top of having to deal with replacing tires more often, you’ll also have to replace other, oftentimes more expensive components of your car at a faster than normal rate. All because of a little air!
By maintaining an ideal tire pressure, you’ll spend less time at your local tire shop and more time on the road.
For more cash-saving tips, check out our money saving vehicle checklist.
Your Safety Depends on It
Driving on flat or over-inflated tires is an accident waiting to happen. Without ideal tire pressure, there’s a much larger risk of blowing out a tire and ending up stranded or hurt.
When your tires lack the right amount of air, they just won’t perform the way they’re supposed to.
For example, when tires are over-inflated, they lack grip (not something you want in a snowstorm or in the rain.) When tires are under-inflated, they are more susceptible to overheating and potholes.
For the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road, it is of utmost importance to make sure your tires are at the ideal pressure.
It’s Surprisingly Easy to Maintain Ideal Tire Pressure
For someone new to auto maintenance, being able to check your tire pressure and fill them with air should be a top priority because it’s a cheap and easy to learn the process.
The only thing you need to get started is a tire pressure gauge. A tire pressure gauge is a simple tool that is inserted into the valve system of a wheel to gauge the PSI (pounds per square inch) of air pressure in a tire.
Every car is different, so you will want to find what the suggested PSI is for your make and model.
Once you have a tire pressure gauge and know the right PSI, check your tires. If they are too high or too low, head to your closest gas station and use the air there to either give your tires more air or take some out.
Car and tire manufacturers recommend doing this once per month.
Maintaining Your Car Beyond the Tires
Tire pressure affects both you and your vehicle. By keeping an ideal tire pressure, you’re on the road to saving money, keeping yourself and other drivers safe, and learning more about DIY car maintenance!
If you ever find yourself in a tough car situation that requires a professional, head over to our free search engine to find the best repair shops near you!