Maintaining Correct Tire Air Pressure

October 10, 2014
Blain's Farm & Fleet

Benefits of proper tire air pressure

  • Gives the best traction, performance, and handling
  • Better long-term fuel economy
  • Prolongs tread life

Disadvantages of low tire air pressure

  • Shortens tread life (more wear on the edges of the tread)
  • Higher risk of tire blowouts
  • Worse long-term fuel economy
  • Worse performance and handling

Disadvantages of high tire air pressure

  • Rougher ride
  • Higher risk of tire blowouts
  • Shortens tread life (more wear in the middle of the tread)
  • Worse traction

The recommended tire air pressure for your vehicle is listed in the owner’s manual or on the sticker inside the driver side door frame. Do not use the number that is stamped on your tires. That number is actually the maximum load and minimum inflation pressure for that load. It is the highest air pressure the tire can hold without the risk of bursting.

The recommended tire pressure listed is the vehicle’s proper cold tire inflation pressure. This means that you will want to check your tire pressure in the morning before you drive your car or truck. Please keep in mind that fluctuations in temperature will change your tire pressure. Air expands when heated and contracts when cooled. Therefore, it’s important to frequently check the air pressure in your tires. Try making a habit of checking ever other time when you fill up your gas tank. At the very least, check your tire air pressure once per month and adjust it to the right amount.

If you have any problems checking the air pressure in your tires, please have your trusted automotive technician show you how to keep your tires properly inflated to make sure your vehicle performs its best.