What's the most important type of tire service? The answer is simple—check the air pressure! Your owner's manual will state the required pressure. If the inflated pressure has varied from that recommendation, it's likely that the wear and tear have been accelerated! It may be time for a tire repair.
There are 3 major issues about air pressure:
- Under-inflation -- Under-inflation by only 6 psi can lead to tire failure. Additionally, the tread life could be reduced by as much as 25%. Lower inflation pressure allows the tire to deflect (bend) more as it rolls. This will build up internal heat, increase rolling resistance, and cause a reduction in fuel economy of up to 5%. You may also experience a significant loss of steering precision and cornering stability. Your auto mechanic can determine the cause if consistent under-inflation is a problem. It can be taken care of with a simple tire repair.
- Over-inflation -- If tires are overinflated by 6 psi, they could be damaged more easily when running over potholes or debris in the road. Over-inflation will cause your ride to feel stiff and harsh. However, higher inflation pressures usually provide improvement in steering response and cornering stability, but only up to a point. Intentional over-inflation is not a good idea.
- Effects of Time and Temperature -- Inflation pressures change due to time and temperature. About 1 psi per month is lost due to air escaping through the rubber as it stretches. Inflation pressures also fluctuate with changes in the outside air temperature at a rate of about 1 psi for every 10°F (plus or minus). So the inflation pressure you set correctly with an 80°F ambient temperature will be under-inflated by 6 psi at 20°F. inflation pressure should be checked frequently as part of tire service. Improper inflation can cause irregular wear, void the manufacturer's warranty, and may cause permanent damage to your wheel.
Check the air pressure about once a week, preferably before the vehicle has been driven to achieve optimum performance and prevent a costly tire repair down the road.
Need expert advice on tire service? Contact our ASE certified technicians today at Rebel Automotive or go online to https://www.rebel-auto.com for more information. We will be pleased to take care of your vehicle and provide you with honest and professional tire repair and other maintenance services. Our auto repair shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
What's the most important type of tire service? The answer is simple—check the air pressure! Your owner's manual will state the required pressure. If the inflated pressure has varied from that recommendation, it's likely that the wear and tear have been accelerated! It may be time for a tire repair.
There are 3 major issues about air pressure:
- Under-inflation -- Under-inflation by only 6 psi can lead to tire failure. Additionally, the tread life could be reduced by as much as 25%. Lower inflation pressure allows the tire to deflect (bend) more as it rolls. This will build up internal heat, increase rolling resistance, and cause a reduction in fuel economy of up to 5%. You may also experience a significant loss of steering precision and cornering stability. Your auto mechanic can determine the cause if consistent under-inflation is a problem. It can be taken care of with a simple tire repair.
- Over-inflation -- If tires are overinflated by 6 psi, they could be damaged more easily when running over potholes or debris in the road. Over-inflation will cause your ride to feel stiff and harsh. However, higher inflation pressures usually provide improvement in steering response and cornering stability, but only up to a point. Intentional over-inflation is not a good idea.
- Effects of Time and Temperature -- Inflation pressures change due to time and temperature. About 1 psi per month is lost due to air escaping through the rubber as it stretches. Inflation pressures also fluctuate with changes in the outside air temperature at a rate of about 1 psi for every 10°F (plus or minus). So the inflation pressure you set correctly with an 80°F ambient temperature will be under-inflated by 6 psi at 20°F. inflation pressure should be checked frequently as part of tire service. Improper inflation can cause irregular wear, void the manufacturer's warranty, and may cause permanent damage to your wheel.
Check the air pressure about once a week, preferably before the vehicle has been driven to achieve optimum performance and prevent a costly tire repair down the road.
Need expert advice on tire service? Contact our ASE certified technicians today at Rebel Automotive or go online to https://www.rebel-auto.com for more information. We will be pleased to take care of your vehicle and provide you with honest and professional tire repair and other maintenance services. Our auto repair shop serves vehicle owners in Henderson, NV, Las Vegas, NV, and North Las Vegas, NV.
