Important Facts About Proper Tire Pressure
We would all agree that our vehicles play a very important part in our day to day lives. With that said, it is important to take steps necessary to ensure the overall health and safety of your car. From tune-ups and oil changes to brake installations and transmission repairs, there are a number of auto services that contribute to the health and safety of your vehicle. Here at Auto Clinic of Franklin our team of skilled auto techs would like to take some time to help our many valued clients understand the importance of proper tire pressure.
Keep These Pointers in Mind
Keeping tire pressure right and in line requires a few simple pointers. Let us share some of these pointers here with you now.
- · You should always set the pressure in your tires to that which is specified in your owner’s manual. Different vehicles have different vehicle safety requirements and that includes varied pressure settings.
- · Before you set out on a long trip or a long drive, be sure to always check the pressure in your tires to ensure it is adequate. You certainly don’t want to get a flat tire and find yourself stranded on the highway.
- · Be sure to use a high-quality pressure gauge when checking the pressure levels in your tires. Most vehicles are equipped with a monitoring system that will alert you if your tires are below the required pressure levels or if they are losing air. Our team recommends that you always keep a gauge in your vehicle regardless of whether or not it is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This ensures that you are always getting a consistent and proper reading. If you have a TPMS system in your vehicle and find that it is malfunctioning, come on down to our trusted facility and let our team of experienced techs fix your faulty monitoring system for you.
- · As most of us know, various temperatures can have an impact on tire pressure. The brisk cold winter weather will more times than not cause the pressure in your tires to drop. The warm summer temperatures will typically cause pressure in your tires to increase. With this in mind, get in the habit of checking the pressure in your tires each time there is a seasonal change. Be on the safe side and ensure proper pressure at the start of each new season.
Overinflation of Tires Explained
When your tires are overinflated, they are very stiff and rigid, reducing the amount of rubber from the tires that actually meet the roadway. Overinflated tires make for a much more difficult and harder ride and can contribute to uneven tire tread wear. The most common type of tread wear in overinflated tires is a center tire wear. This is when the center of your tire is extremely worn out and smooth, but the sides of the tire still have plenty of tread. When your tires are overinflated, they can be easily damaged by various road conditions, including, but not limited to, potholes and surface imperfections.
Understanding Underinflated Tires
When tires are underinflated, they are unable to hold their shape and become flatter and closer to the ground surface. In this case, there is much more of the tire itself that comes in contact with the road. When this occurs, the shoulders of the tires begin to wear out prematurely. This shoulder wear presents with a normal tread down the center of the tire with the shoulders being worn out and extremely smooth. Underinflated tires minimize fuel economy.
Bottom Line
Keeping your vehicle properly maintained, scheduling routine service and giving close attention to the health and integrity of your tires can all help to ensure that you are never without the use of your vehicle. Here at Auto Clinic of Franklin, our team of highly experienced automotive techs is committed to providing only the highest quality automotive parts and services to all our valued clients.
We understand full well how important it is to have your vehicle on the road every day. With that thought in mind, we want to remind you to always pay attention to your tire pressure and make certain that your tires have healthy treads and are not worn out. For more information on proper pressure levels for your tires, to talk with one of our techs, or to schedule a service appointment give a shout out to one of our staff today.
