There are many reasons why you should take good care of your car. Not only is your vehicle a very expensive investment that you want to last as long as possible, but your safety may be at risk if your car isn’t performing at its best. One of the most overlooked factory scheduled auto maintenance requirements for ALL vehicles is tire care.
Tires must be in good condition at all times. And as soon as they start to show signs of wear and tear, it’s time to replace them. Between tire replacements, your tires require regular rotations and balancing, as well as daily air pressure checks.
If you don’t take good care of your tires, they can begin to lose their ability to do their job, which can put your safety at risk. Tire pressure is a common problem that can influence the performance and overall safety of tires. Be sure to routinely inspect your tires to make sure they are properly inflated; you don’t want them to be too much or too puffy.
The dangers of flat tires
Bulges can form in the tire walls, which can weaken areas of the tires and put them at greater risk of blowing out on the road.
Under-inflated tires will reduce fuel efficiency, which affects the driver’s budget and the reliability of the vehicle.
Under-inflated tires will impede vehicle mobility, which can be dangerous in defensive driving and inclement weather scenarios, and when navigating in tight spaces.
The dangers of overinflated tires
Over-inflated tires can cause the air temperature inside them to rise, which can lead to sudden blowouts while driving. They can also cause an imbalance of road contact between all four tires, which can make vehicle mobility and handling difficult.
According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
A tire that is 25% above the recommended air pressure is 2 times more likely to be involved in a collision.
A tire that is 25% below the recommended tire pressure is 3 times more likely to be involved in a crash.
There are nearly 11,000 tire-related motor vehicle accidents each year.
Nearly 75% of road punctures are due to improper tire pressure.
Flat tire?
If you get a flat as a result of over or under inflation, you can try to fix it yourself if you have a spare tire or roadside emergency kit. If you are unable to repair or replace your puncture, you can contact a local towing company for 24-hour roadside assistance.
They can respond to your location within a short period of time, repair your tire, or tow you to a location of your choosing. Whether it’s 3 in the morning or 5:30 rush hour, they have the resources to get you back on the road in no time.