Ever wonder why your car’s giving you a bumpier ride? Maybe it’s a bit bouncy, or the steering feels off. The culprit might be something as simple as your tire pressure! Tires are often overlooked, but they’re among the most critical components influencing your car’s safety, gas mileage, and overall driving experience. Let’s figure out how to get your tires in perfect shape so you can enjoy a smoother ride.
Why Is Tire Pressure Such a Big Deal?
Safety
Safety first, always! Tires with the correct pressure create optimal contact with the road, which can improve handling and shorter braking distances. Secondly, underinflated tires are prone to overheating due to increased sidewall flexing. This buildup of heat can cause the tire’s internal structure to fail, leading to blowouts and causing problems on the road you just don’t want.
Lifespan
Underrated and overinflated tires lead to uneven tire wear, meaning you’ll be shopping for new tires sooner! Underinflated tires wear excessively on the outer edges, and overinflated tires more in the center. Proper inflation helps in shock absorption and cushions impacts on bumpy roads!
Fuel Efficiency
Underinflated tires are like dragging an anchor since they have higher rolling resistance, meaning your engine works harder to move the vehicle. This leads to decreased fuel economy, which translates to more trips to the gas station and makes those pockets a little lighter!
What’s This PSI Thing Anyway?
PSI stands (pounds per square inch), and it’s how tire pressure is measured. You get the idea if you’ve ever pumped up a bicycle tire! It’s all about how much air pressure is inside – too little, and it’s flat; too much, and it feels too hard. Finding the correct tire pressure is all about finding the right PSI for your car.
Finding Your Perfect Number: Where to Find Your Recommended Tire Pressure
The Manual That Never Fails: Your Owner’s Manual
We’re all guilty of barely skimming through our owner’s manual, even though it’s jam-packed with a wealth of information. Once you dust it off, you’ll find a dedicated section on tire maintenance, including the much sought-after recommended tire pressure!
Don’t Ignore the Door: Your Driver’s Side Door Jamb
Ever notice the sticker on the driver’s side door or its edge (the door post) of your car? What’s that, anyway? That’s your recommended tire pressure, and it’s one of the most reliable places to find it! This sticker provides the magic numbers of your manufacturer’s recommended pressure for your front and rear tires, considering their weight and size!
Hidden Gems: Glove Box or Fuel Filler Door
Sometimes, the tire pressure sticker isn’t on the driver’s door jamb. Don’t fret, though! While less common, some automakers place the tire pressure sticker inside the glove compartment or on the inside of the fuel filler door. Pop them open and take a peek if you can’t find a sticker on your door jamb!
The Right Pressure = A Happy Car: Key Things to Remember
Cold Tires, Happy Rides
Heat gives a false reading! Driving causes tire pressure to increase due to the buildup of heat, so checking them when hot would give an inaccurate reading. You find your recommended tire pressure when your tires are cold, meaning when they haven’t been driven on for at least three hours or you’ve only driven about a mile at moderate speed.
Max Pressure vs. Recommended
The sidewall of your tire has a max pressure rating, BUT that’s different from what you fill it with! Always stick to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure in the owner’s manual or the door jamb sticker.
Front, Back, or Both?
Tire pressure recommendations aren’t always the same for front and rear tires. How your car distributes weight matters, so always check the specific recommendations for the front and back tires. This is determined by how the vehicle’s weight is distributed and how the tires are used for steering and braking.
Just What the Doctor Ordered: Regular Fixit45 Health Checkups
Tire pressure naturally decreases over time, even if there are no leaks. Arrange a Fixit45 appointment for tire pressure checks at least once a month and before going on any road trips. We offer a free pickup and drop service, or you could even drive into one of our 5-star rated auto service centers to get back on the road quickly!
Fixit Right
A few minutes of tire care each month makes a massive difference in how your car behaves on the road, how long your tires last, and keeps your pockets bulgy. From routine inspections to major repairs, the auto repair pros at Fixit45 have the expertise to keep your car running at its best. Call us at 08061440051 and let us take the stress out of car ownership.
