Everything you need to know about maintaining proper tire pressure in your vehicle.
Maintaining optimal tire pressure: the key to a safe drive
At Rob Green Nissan in Twin Falls, Idaho, we’re passionate about keeping our customers safe and informed. One of the most important factors to keep in mind with your vehicle is your tire pressure. Many drivers overlook tire pressure, but it’s an essential component of your car’s overall health. Heres why:
Why Tire Pressure Matters
Tire pressure has a direct impact on your vehicle’s performance, safety, and fuel efficiency. Here’s why:
Safety: Underinflated or overinflated tires can lead to poor handling, reduced traction, and an increased risk of blowouts, accidents, or hydroplaning in wet conditions.
Fuel Efficiency: Proper tire pressure reduces rolling resistance, which means your vehicle consumes less fuel. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3% by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. That adds up to a lot of miles over time!
Tire Longevity: Maintaining the correct tire pressure can extend the life of your tires by reducing wear and tear. Underinflated tires experience uneven wear, while overinflated tires have a reduced contact patch, leading to faster tread wear.
Checking and Maintaining Tire Pressure
To ensure optimal tire performance and safety, you will want to check your tire pressure regularly. Here are some tips on how to do that:
Invest in a quality tire pressure gauge: A reliable tire pressure gauge is a must-have tool for every driver. Digital gauges tend to be more accurate and easier to read than analog ones. Keep it in the car with you so its always close by!
Check tire pressure when tires are cold: Tire pressure increases as the tire warms up due to driving. For the most accurate reading, check your tire pressure when your vehicle has been parked for at least three hours. This will help you get the most accurate reading possible.
Locate the recommended tire pressure: You can find your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure on the placard located on the driver’s side door jamb or in the owner’s manual.
Check tire pressure monthly: It’s a good practice to check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Don’t forget to check the spare tire as well!
Factors Affecting Tire Pressure
Several factors can cause your tire pressure to fluctuate:
Temperature: Tire pressure can change with temperature. As a rule of thumb, for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit change in temperature, your tire pressure will change by approximately 1 PSI. This means your tire pressure might be different if you check early in the morning then again late in the afternoon.
Altitude: Higher altitudes can cause a decrease in tire pressure due to the lower air pressure.
Tire Damage: Punctures, cuts, or other damage to the tire can lead to air leaks and a drop in tire pressure.
At Rob Green Nissan we want to ensure that our customers are safe and knowledgeable about their vehicles. Regularly checking and maintaining your tire pressure is a simple and fairly straightforward but super important step in maintaining your vehicle’s performance, safety, and fuel efficiency. If you have any concerns about your tire pressure or need assistance, our friendly and experienced service team is here to help. Visit us today for top-notch service and expert advice.
