Fall is approaching quickly, which means that your morning or evening commute is about to get dramatically cooler. But did you know that cooler temperatures can greatly affect your tire pressure? That’s why it is very important to keep an eye on your tires and to check your tires pressure regularly. Under or over inflated tires can have very negative effects on your vehicle. Here are some helpful tips on checking your tires to keep your car has efficient as possible.
What you should do:
- First, give your tires a visual check. Look to see if they seem to be squished at the bottom. If they are visibly deflated, then you should check the pressure and inflate them immediately if it is way lower than what it should be. Minor deflation, usually a few psi, is hard to notice at a quick glance; but when a tire is deflated noticeably, then it could be off my over 10 psi.
- Check them with a pressure gauge, which can be obtained at your local auto shop or hardware store. Or, you can check them at your local gas station. Most gas stations have an inflation station that can automatically check your tire pressure. This way, you have an accurate read of your tire pressure so you don’t over or under inflate your tires.
- Check your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure settings. This can normally be found on the inside of the driver’s side door. There you will find the manufacturer and model recommendation for optimum efficiency of your vehicle.
Why should you care?
- Having the wrong tire pressure can greatly affect your gas mileage. If your tires aren’t inflated enough then your engine is working harder than it should, therefore you are using more gas than you normally would if your tires are properly inflated.
- Over inflated tires decrease the amount of tread that should be gripping the road, causing a loss of traction.
- Under inflated tires will wear out faster due to the fact that your wheels are compensating for the added stress, causing the tires to overheat.
- Improperly inflated tires can also affect your vehicle’s breaks too. If your tires are over inflated, then the lack of grip on the tires may cause your vehicle to lose control or not stop fast enough.
Next time you’re at the gas station, take an extra minute to check your tire pressure. While it may seem like an inconvenience at the time, it could save your life and countless others in the long run. If you have concerns about your tire pressure, call Stroebel Automotive at (989) 781-4307.