Safety In Inflation

January 24, 2008 By Tisha (Kulak) Tolar

Blowing out a tire can be frightening and disastrous. Tires are obviously an important component of your automobile. Frankly, without them we wouldn’t get very far.  But strangely, for all their importance, tires are the most neglected part of a vehicle. By not having your tires properly inflated, you end up costing yourself a lot more money than necessary had you chosen to check your tire pressure. Under-inflated tires can reduce the life of the tire by 15,000 miles, making it more costly to keep replacing them. Not only is cost a concern but safety becomes a serious issue.Over-inflating a tire forces the tire to drive on the center part of its tread and causes uneven use of the whole tire. This situation leads handling issues as it affects the grip of the tires on the road. Once the tire threads have worn thin, the tire needs to be replaced. If you are not getting the maximum life from the tires you buy, you are basically throwing money out of the window.

During changes in the weather, it is imperative you keep your tires in check. Do not try to estimate the air pressure levels in the tire by looking at them. Instead, you need to purchase a handheld tire pressure gauge and keep it handy in the car to ensure you always get an accurate reading. Oftentimes, the gauges on public air machines are broken or working ineffectively. Simply eyeballing the tires can leading to over-inflating or under-inflating the tire by up to as much as 20%.

Always check the pressure before driving the car to be sure the air inside is cold. As the tires move, the air inside begins to warm. Testing warm tires will not produce an accurate pressure reading. You should also refer to the car manual or the label on the inside of the driver-side door for the correct amount of tire pressure. Do not use the recommended amount printed on the tire.

Owning a vehicle is a big responsibility and at times an even bigger expense, especially now with the cost of gas and the rising cost of maintenance and upkeep.  Place a little note in your car reminding yourself to perform little safety checks, especially on your tires, before pulling out of the driveway. The few minutes it takes you to double check your vehicle can save hundreds of dollars in your pocket. It also will give you peace of mind knowing your vehicle is safe for yourself and your passengers.

Posted in automobiles, cars, emergencies, money, saving money

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