If a car’s tires are improperly inflated, several things can go wrong. Also, we should define what it means for a tire to have “incorrect inflation”. It can be one of two scenarios. It has less inflation than the manufacturer’s recommendation (underinflation). Or it has too much (overinflation). Each has its own negative impact.
Adverse effects of Overinflation:
- Unwanted rigidity: When tires get more rigid and hard, they are more prone to flats and punctures. This happens because it comes in contact with more pressure on the surface.
- Shorter lifespan: Overinflated tires are more prone to wear on the center region. This is called “center wear”. It shortens the usual lifespan. This happens because the tire is now more susceptible to the concrete’s harshness.
Adverse effects of Underinflation:
- Thread Loss: Underinflated tires lose their threads faster and become flatter. This results in the road’s surface and tire making more contact than necessary.
- Braking Hazard: Insufficiently inflated tires make more contact with the road. This raises the chances of brakes failing. As a result, the chances of collisions are very high.
- Fuel Inefficiency: If your car’s tires are not properly inflated, it will devour the fuel much faster. It must work harder to run, leading to burning more fuel. This hurts both the wallet and the environment.
- Economic Cost: Underinflation reduces the lifespan of a tire by 25%. This comes from a Rockford Mutual?article. Thus, the tires need more frequent replacement and overuse of fuel. The compound effect is a financial burden on the car’s owner.
Following some of the best practices, car owners can easily avoid this mishap. First, it must be ensured that tire pressure is in accordance with the manufacturer’s manual. A good idea is to check the pressure of the tires every morning in PSI. To follow through, you would need a high-quality gauge that provides precise readings. In my decades of experience, I found having a tire inflator with a precise gauge to be invaluable. This avoids both over and under-inflation.
