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The Importance of Tire Pressure

Q: How important is your tire pressure?

A: So important that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will require all new U.S. manufactured passenger vehicles to be equipped with tire pressure monitors by the 2008 model year!

Q: We have all driven with a tire low at one time or other. So, how low is too low?

A: NHTSA's regulation will require that manufacturers install a system that can detect when one or more of a vehicle's tires are 25% or more below the recommended inflation pressure.

A recent study by the NHTSA, available at www.nhtsa.dot.gov, shows that more than 25% of all passenger cars, and more than 33% of all light trucks have under inflated tires. This is not just a danger to the driver of a vehicle with low tire pressure, but to other drivers, pedestrians and property, as well. NHTSA estimates that 120 lives a year will be saved when all new vehicles are equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems. NHTSA estimates the manufacturer's average cost per vehicle to be between $48.44 and 69.89 per vehicle.

What does low tire pressure mean to you? 

  • Lower Gas Mileage - Low tire pressure means lower gas mileage.  For each pound of under inflation, your gas mileage can drop up to 1 percent!  

  • Poor Braking - Low tire pressure can increase stopping distance.

  • Poor Handling - Low tire pressure can lead to skidding and loss of control. The point where the tire meets the road is a crucial element in determining the ride control of your vehicle.  Under inflation prevents your ride control system from functioning properly.

  • Tire Failure – Under inflation is the leading cause of tire failure. An under inflated tire has increased road friction. Increased friction leads to increased heat, which can lead to tire 'blow outs' or, tires otherwise coming apart.

  • Faster Tread Wear - Lower tire pressure also causes the tread to wear out faster and forces premature replacement. 

     Where to find the proper tire pressure for your vehicle

  •  The proper tire pressure is available to you in a number of locations – in the owner’s manual or on the door jam or doorpost.  Many vehicles now also have sticker on the interior of the gas filler door.

  •  The pressure listed on the exterior of the tire is the maximum pressure that the tire should be inflated to, not necessarily the ideal pressure.

Proper care of your tires

  • Always take the tire’s pressure when the tires are cold – driven less than one mile.

  • Tires will lose about one pound per square inch (PSI) for every 10-degree drop in the temperature.

  • Tires will also lose pressure over time – about 1 PSI per month.

  • Improve the life of your tires by having them rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.  A good rule of thumb is to rotate them every other oil change.

  • Examine tires for tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. An alignment is warranted if there's uneven tread wear or if your vehicle pulls to one side.