Why Tire Pressure Is Important

Properly inflated tires maximize the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle under any driving conditions. Underinflated tires contribute to loss of control accidents, hydroplaning on wet surfaces, longer braking distances and decreased tire tread life. Underinflated tires are attributable causes of over 30,000 accidents each year in the United States alone. Keeping tire pressure top of mind as part of monthly vehicle maintenance routines will improve vehicle safety, performance, fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

Did You Know?

Tires naturally lose 1 – 2 lbs of air pressure per month

Checking Tire Pressure Properly

Properly checking tire pressure requires an accurate tire gauge or an Orange tire pressure monitoring system. ‘Eyeballing’ tires to check air pressure or using air meters at gas stations are ill-advised means of checking tire pressure as they are not reliable or consistently accurate. Complement your TPMS with a quality tire gauge. For trucks and RVs, use a dual-head inflation gauge that is calibrated up to 120 psi at 2 psi increments.

When checking tire pressure, make sure the tires are “cold” (the vehicle has not been driven over a mile recently). Driving on a tire increases the amount of force exerted upon it, increasing temperature and air pressure. If you need to drive more than a mile to refill air pressure (gas station, mechanic, etc.), check and record the air pressure in all your tires before leaving. Determine the manufacturer’s recommended inflation level for your specific make and model and proceed to inflate tires to proper pressure level that is equal to the recommended ‘cold’ tire pressure. If driving more than a mile, inflate tires the amount below pressure while ‘cold’ plus the difference at the higher temperature (measured after driving). After finishing the pressure check, replace the tire valve caps to protect the valve from dirt and moisture.

Did You Know?

A 10° change in temperature changes tire pressure ±1 psi

Why Tire Pressure Changes

Seasonal and altitude changes result in a rise or drop in tire pressure. As a general rule, every time the temperature changes 10 degrees, tire pressure rises or falls 1-2 psi.

For vehicles such as trucks and RV’s carrying heavy loads, the proper level of tire pressure should be determined by the weight of the load. The proper pressure level can be determined by weighing the vehicle (modify pressure according to individual load).

Occasionally a sharp object (nail, metal, etc.) will puncture a tire and cause a slow pressure leak. A TPMS equipped vehicle will notify the driver once the tire pressure falls to 25% of the recommended level. The driver may experience unnatural pulling or vibration and notice before the TPMS. If you detect an irregularity, pull over and inspect tires. A bulging sidewall or an excessively hot tire indicates a slow leak. Replace damaged tire with spare tire and determine if tire needs to be replaced at tire dealer.

Did You Know?

Fuel efficiency is reduced by 1% for every 3PSI under inflation

Check Tire Pressure Routinely

Tires may appear to remain at a consistent pressure level over a long period of time but indeed require consistent maintenance. Tires lose pressure through permeation (gas through a solid) every day and should be refilled every month. In cool weather, a tire will typically lose one or two pounds of air per month and even more per month in warm weather.

Associating the need to refill tire pressure with the need for refilling gas can serve as a useful reminder. Checking tire pressures every other time you stop to fill up for gas is a consistent way to ensure optimal vehicle performance. Vehicle service shops will typically check and refill tire pressure during routine maintenance checks (remember to have spare tires checked).

Did You Know?

The manufacturer’s recommended inflation level can be found in the owner’s manual for the vehicle or on a placard on the inside of the driver’ side door

Why Tire Pressure Is Important