TIRE PRESSURE AND YOUR SAFETYÂ
If your tires aren't inflated to the correct specifications, they can be dangerous and cause an accident. Here is why the correct tire pressure is so important for your safety:
WHAT IF MY TIRE PRESSURE IS TOO HIGH?Â
If your tire pressure is too high, your tires are over-inflated and have less contact with the road. This gives your tires less grip and traction, so it decreases your braking power and increases your effective stopping distance.Â
Over-inflation also increases tire wear in the centre portion of the tread and exposes your tires to damages from objects on the road and potholes. Your ride won't be nearly as comfortable either because your tires are 'bouncing' on the road.
WHAT IF MY TIRE PRESSURE IS TOO LOW?Â
Now you have the opposite situation and too much of your tire is in contact with the road. This makes your tire hot and may result in overheating. In the worst case scenario, this may cause tire failure. Under inflation also increases tire wear on the tread at the edges and decreases your fuel economy.Â
WHAT IF I HAVE UNEVEN TIRE PRESSURE?Â
If your tire pressures are not equal, your car will pull to the left or the right. You will feel this pull through your steering wheel.Â
WHAT IS MY CORRECT TIRE PRESSURE?Â
Your recommended tire pressure is printed on a sticker in your glove compartment, door jamb or fuel-filler door. This is the ideal pressure for the tires when used on your specific model vehicle.Â
Note: The pressure on the tire
wall is the maximum allowable air pressure, not the recommended pressure. Make
sure to check your tire pressure once a month. At the same time inspect your
tires for uneven or unusual wear.Â
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