Safe tires translate into safe cars. It’s as simple as that. If there is something wrong with your tires, you won’t be able to stop or maneuver as well and that means you’re more at risk of getting into a car accident. One of the biggest problems with many tires — that are otherwise perfectly fine — is the level of air pressure that motorists have in their tires.
Whether your tire pressure is low or high, it can result in serious and dangerous risks for you, your passengers and other drivers on the road. Let’s take a look at the proper technique for keeping your tire pressure at an appropriate level:
— Take a look at your vehicle’s owner’s manual and go to the section on tires. There, you’ll find information about the proper PSI (pounds per square inch) of air pressure to maintain in both your front and back tires. Your PSI will depend on the weight and size, towing capacity and recommended tire size of your car.
— Tires lose are constantly, so it’s vital to check the PSI of your vehicle’s tires at least one time a month. You will also want to check your tire pressure when the climate changes. Hotter temperatures will expand and increase your vehicle’s tire pressure. Colder temperatures will decrease the PSI.
— Use a pressure gauge to check your vehicle tires. This may be bought at an auto parts store, available at a gas station for free use, or attached to the station’s air compressor machine that you use to inflate your tires.
— When you check your tire pressure, also look for signs of a leaky valve, nails or other road debris puncturing your tires and other signs of damage. Be sure to have damaged tires repaired or replaced immediately.
Tire pressure is so important to help drivers avoid car accidents. For this reason, drivers who fail to keep their tires properly inflated and get into a car accident as a result might be deemed as negligent and liable for damages. Having properly inflated tires can also help you save money on gas mileage and by making your tires last for a longer period of time, so what have you got to lose? Stay safe, save money and keep your tires properly inflated.
Source: dmv.org, “How To Check Tire Pressure,” accessed Dec. 09, 2016