Is it Safe to Drive with Low Tire Pressure?

At the very least, low tire pressure can be a source of frustration. But it's more than that: low tire pressure is unsafe. It could lead to an accident if your tires fail while driving! Here's what you need to know about checking your tire pressure before hitting the road.

Absolutely not!

Tires are the point of contact between your car and the road, so it's vital to ensure they're well-inflated. If a tire is under-inflated, it can increase stopping distance and cause poor handling while driving. It can also lead to premature wear on your tires, which could damage their treads or blow out completely.

Additionally, if your tires need to be correctly inflated (like most reliable drivers), you may be putting yourself at risk for an accident. If a tire does not have enough pressure, there will be less surface area touching the ground for traction; this makes steering more complex—especially when driving in wet conditions—and increases braking distances as well because there isn't enough friction between rubber and asphalt.

Check for wear and tear.

A simple tool can check the tread depth and tire pressure at home.

• To check the tread depth, use a quarter and place it between the tire treads; if you can see all of Washington's head start to his hairline, it's time for new tires.
• To check your tires' pressure, look on the side walls of each tire for two numbers separated by a dash (example: "35/36"). Measure that amount in pounds per square inch (PSI) using a tire pressure gauge and adjust as needed until they're at the recommended PSI printed on your Tire Label located in your glovebox or under your hood. The number is also listed in kPa; a conversion chart will help you decipher it into PSI if needed.

Understand when your tires are at the correct pressure.

• Check your tires when they're cold. If you check your tires when they've been driven on, they may appear to be at a sound pressure when underinflated by several pounds per square inch (psi).
• Check the tire pressure with each tire fully inflated. The air inside a tire can expand or contract due to temperature changes; thus, it is essential that each tire is checked with all four wheels at the same time and fully inflated.
• Use a gauge that measures in pounds per square inch rather than kilograms per square centimetre (kPa). Most gauges measure in lbs/in2 (psi).

Know your tire pressure.

Check your tire pressure regularly.

Underinflated tires can cause premature wear, make them more likely to lose control on wet roads, and slow down your reaction time in an emergency braking situation. Tire pressure is printed on the side of the tire. You should check it at least once a month when it's cold (not after driving for a while) or at least every other month if you use your car less often.

Check your tires often.

The best way to keep your tires in good shape is by checking them frequently. Here are some tips:

• Check your tires every time you fill up. Low tire pressure can cause a sudden drop in gas mileage, so it's essential to ensure they've always inflated adequately at the pump. If you have an automatic tire gauge that uses an air compressor instead of a hand pump, use that instead. It will give you more accurate results than attempting to inflate with only the air from your lungs or mouth.
• Check when there's a problem—like when one of your tires has gone flat or if you notice any other issues with their performance (such as excessive vibration or noise). Suppose there's evidence of damage or excessive wear on any part of the car. In that case, it should be brought into the shop for a further evaluation immediately because these may indicate more significant problems within the vehicle itself that could become hazardous during operation later down the road if not addressed quickly enough!

Conclusion

It's important to understand that you can do several things to ensure your tires are at the correct pressure. If you have any questions about your vehicle, be sure to consult a mechanic who can provide assistance and advice on how best to keep your tires in good condition. Book yourself a corporate drivers service for a hassle-free ride.