Tire Pressure Safety

June 3, 2016

Tire Pressure

Low tire pressure can kill you.

People are likely to be aware of at least a few low tire pressure effects -- under inflated tires make for lower gas mileage and uneven tread wear, over inflated tires absorb less shock and lead to a bumpier ride, etc. -- but the hidden dangers of low tire pressure effects aren't as widely known as they ought to be.

First of all, tire testing experts point out that tires only really start to "look flat" after they've lost 50 percent or more of their recommended air pressure. Most people wouldn't know a tire that's 25 percent flat from one that's perfectly pressurized.

Combine that with safety concerns like decreased steering ability and the extra heat that can build up inside under inflated tires, and you've got the perfect recipe for a high-speed wreck. What's more, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 66 percent of the accidents caused by tire problems involved passenger cars, so the safety of your family might depend on the accuracy of your tire pressure gauge.

Remember to check your owner's manual for proper tire pressure or ask the tire company you purchased your tires from for the correct fill. This will insure that you are filling them properly. Check the pressure on a regular basis. Remember, low tire pressure can kill you. Take it seriously.

Bring your vehicle in and we would be glad to check your tire pressure for you. Ask your questions and we will help you understand the proper tire pressure and fill them up if needed.