Is Driving On Under-Inflated Tyres Riskier?
Does your car ever feel sluggish? Or has your fuel bills started creeping up? The reason can be the deficient tyre pressure.
Underinflated tyres aren’t noticed easily. But they can lead to serious safety risks, higher expenses, and unnecessary stress. And cause safety issues for you, your passengers, and other people on the road.
At Wangara Tyre Auto, we’ve seen all the disastrous effects. From tyres worn down by improper inflation to drivers struggling with avoidable breakdowns. And our experience can help you stay safe and save money.
Read on to learn why properly inflated tyres are a must for every driver.
Why Are Under-Inflated Tyres a Big Deal?
Tyres are arguably the toughest part of your vehicle, able to pound the road while battling heat, rocks, and other debris. Aside from a sturdy carcass, a tyre’s secret weapon is its tyre pressure. Without it, tyres can’t function properly and are just rubber pieces.
Underinflation occurs when your tyre pressure is less than the minimum recommended value. This is checked in pounds per square inch. You probably won’t notice immediately that your tyres are underinflated. If your regular routes don’t involve hard cornering and other sudden driving moves.
But it will cause more harm in the long run. Especially when you drive in bad weather or bumpy roads. Leading to severe dangers for both you and your vehicle.
Some of the Top Dangers of Using Under-Inflated Tyres
When your tyres are under-inflated. It affects far more than just your ride quality. Tyres are designed to perform under specific conditions. And improper pressure throws everything off. Here’s why this issue demands attention.
1. Tyre Wear and Tear
Have you bought expensive tyres because they promised a long tread life?
If you don’t give them the right inflation, they’ll not be able to last long. Because when your tyre is low in pressure, more of its rubber will hit the ground. And it will lead to uneven wear and damage to tyre sides. Which are crucial for structural integrity of the tyres.
Over time, this excessive flexing caused by under-inflation can lead to:
- Premature wear and tear
- Excess heat production
- Eventual tyre damage
And you will have to replace them sooner than expected.
2. Expensive Repairs
Underinflated tyres damage not just themselves but also your vehicle. When the pressure is low and tyre structure is compromised due to it. There will be an increased risk of:
- Cracks
- Punctures
- Sudden Blowouts
Also with low air pressure, tyres drag against the road. Making your engine work harder to push your vehicle. And your suspension system to stress out. Other components, such as the chassis, wheels, and rotors, will also be affected.
So, costly vehicle repairs are likely to come up around the corner. Burning a hole in your wallet.
3. Higher Fuel Efficiency
Proper inflation of tyres creates the right amount of road friction. And any decrease in pressure significantly disturbs the friction between tyre surface and road. More friction means more rolling resistance. i.e. forces that keep your tires from moving forward.
So, your engine has to work harder and burn more fuel. And this higher fuel consumption causes a double blow to your wallet and the environment.
As per the U.S. Department of Energy. Properly inflating your tyres can boost gas mileage by 3 percent. And can reduce the need of repeated petrol station visits.
4. Compromised Brakes
Is it taking longer for your car to stop after you’ve stepped on the brakes? Check your tyre pressure right away.
Because tyres also serve as shock absorbers. Underinflation will stress your suspension system. And decrease its efficiency up to dangerous levels.
Remember that brakes are your ride’s most essential safety feature. And have a crucial role in preventing major accidents. So, a longer stopping distance can be catastrophic in emergency situations. Where every millisecond counts.
5. Unsafe Loading of Vehicle
Air pressure lets your tyres carry the weight of your vehicle and its load.
If you subject your underinflated tyres to their usual load. They will put your vehicle in contact with the ground and cause serious damage. Such as:
- Sagging
- Uneven distribution
- Tyre failure
Check out the load rating in your owner’s manual or tyre placard. You’ll find that it’s always mentioned in relation to the recommended tyre pressure. A proof that these two are closely related.
6. Unresponsive Ride
Have you ever felt your car pulling to one side or noticed sluggishness in response to steering?
These are classic symptoms of under-inflated tyres. Creating the gap between your inputs and your car’s performance. And how can you stay safe in a vehicle that cannot respond to your driving demands? E.g.
- Stopping,
- Accelerating
- Turning
- Steering
An unresponsive ride is not only frustrating but also downright dangerous. Because it reduces your ability to react quickly in critical moments. Putting you and others at risk.
7. Higher Crash Risk
Another thing you should be wary of is a blowout.
Imagine driving, and your tire suddenly bursts, making you lose control. Veering to a ditch, careening to the opposite lane, spinning out of control. The terrible possibilities are endless, so you should avoid blowouts at all costs.
Under-inflated tyres compromise your vehicle’s handling, making it harder to maintain control during sharp turns or emergency stops. Means your car is more likely to skid, especially in wet or icy conditions.
For drivers in Perth’s unpredictable weather, this is a risk not worth taking. So, what to do? Let’s find out.
How to Avoid the Dangers of Under-Inflated Tyres
You can’t always tell that a tyre is underinflated just by looking at it. To maintain proper tyre pressure, keep the following in mind.
1. Take Proper Care of the Tyres
If your car doesn’t have a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Use a tyre pressure gauge to check its inflation. Do this once a month or before you go on long road trips.
2. Check the Temperature While Inflating
To get an accurate reading. Wait until your tyres have cooled before you check their pressure. Check in the morning or wait for around two to three hours after you’ve used your vehicle.
3. Avoid Over-Inflation of Tyres Also
Like underinflated tyres, their overinflated version can also speed up wear. Making them prone to damage and result in a harsher ride and decreased traction. Inflate your tyre at just the right ratio.
4. Care for your Spare
Remember that your spare tyre also needs proper inflation. Tyres naturally lose air over time, even when not in use. So, keep your spare always ready. So, you can use it whenever needed.
Conclusion
The right amount of tyre pressure is an absolute must. And you should always inflate your tyres just right.
Otherwise, you can face serious damages like increased braking distance. Higher fuel efficiency and even serious car crashes.
So, keep yourself ready with appropriate measures and keep a spare at hand. So, you can ensure your safety. Improve your car’s performance. And save money in the long run.
Struggling With Tyre Pressure or Other Tyre Issues?
Take Proper Care of the Tyres with Wangara Tyre Auto
At Wangara Tyre Auto, we know just how critical it is to keep your tyres in check. Whether you need a simple pressure check. An advice on fitting the suitable tyres. Or a brand-new set. Our team is here to help.
We’ve been trusted by Perth drivers for over 10 years. Offering top-quality tyres, professional fitting, and unbeatable customer service. To get you back on the road, safe and secure.
