Automobile manufacturers are required to list the original air pressure of tires in the owner’s manual for your vehicle. If the inflated pressure has consistently varied from the manufacturer’s recommendation, it's likely that the wear and tear on your tires have been accelerated and you will need a tire repair sooner than expected! Your trusted auto mechanic can help you determine the remaining life expectancy of your tires.
There are usually three major problems leading to tire repair:
- Under-inflation -- If your tires are under-inflated by only 6 psi it could lead to tire failure. Additionally, their tread life could be reduced by as much as 25%. Lower inflation pressure will allow 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 will also find a significant loss of steering precision and cornering stability.
- Over-inflation -- If your tires are overinflated by 6 psi, they can be easily damaged when running over potholes or debris in the road. Higher inflation pressure cannot isolate road irregularities very well, causing the 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. Avoid intentional over-inflation.
- Time and Temperature -- Inflation pressures change due to time and temperature. Tires lose about 1 psi per month 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 underinflated by 6 psi at 20°F. Improper inflation can cause irregular wear and void the manufacturer's warranty.
If the inflation pressure is repeatedly either higher or lower than recommended, you could be headed for a costly tire repair. Check the air pressure about once a week, preferably before the vehicle has been driven. Spending about two minutes a week will achieve the optimum performance from your tires and can prevent you from being stranded on the side of the road.
Need quality tire repair? Our qualified auto mechanics can help you keep your car on the road. Contact our ASE-Certified Technicians today by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
Automobile manufacturers are required to list the original air pressure of tires in the owner’s manual for your vehicle. If the inflated pressure has consistently varied from the manufacturer’s recommendation, it's likely that the wear and tear on your tires have been accelerated and you will need a tire repair sooner than expected! Your trusted auto mechanic can help you determine the remaining life expectancy of your tires.
There are usually three major problems leading to tire repair:
- Under-inflation -- If your tires are under-inflated by only 6 psi it could lead to tire failure. Additionally, their tread life could be reduced by as much as 25%. Lower inflation pressure will allow 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 will also find a significant loss of steering precision and cornering stability.
- Over-inflation -- If your tires are overinflated by 6 psi, they can be easily damaged when running over potholes or debris in the road. Higher inflation pressure cannot isolate road irregularities very well, causing the 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. Avoid intentional over-inflation.
- Time and Temperature -- Inflation pressures change due to time and temperature. Tires lose about 1 psi per month 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 underinflated by 6 psi at 20°F. Improper inflation can cause irregular wear and void the manufacturer's warranty.
If the inflation pressure is repeatedly either higher or lower than recommended, you could be headed for a costly tire repair. Check the air pressure about once a week, preferably before the vehicle has been driven. Spending about two minutes a week will achieve the optimum performance from your tires and can prevent you from being stranded on the side of the road.
Need quality tire repair? Our qualified auto mechanics can help you keep your car on the road. Contact our ASE-Certified Technicians today by calling (763) 389-3811, or go on-line at https://www.rumriverauto.com/ for more information. Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.
