Driving on over-inflated tires can be just as dangerous as driving on under-inflated tires. Tracy’s Automotive can help make sure your tires are well maintained.
You’ve always heard that driving on ice or snow is safer if your tires are over-inflated. So, this past winter, you tried to make sure your tires remained over-inflated. Now that the weather has turned warmer, you figure, what the heck, I’ll keep my tires over-inflated especially since you’ve heard it saves fuel. And saving on gas these days is important. Maybe if you save more on gas and such, you can get to a couple of Surge games.
That’s not a good idea. Tirepressure.com explains that over-inflating a tire reduces the amount of tread that touches the street. That provides less “rolling resistance,” which does improve fuel efficiency. But, according to tests, any fuel savings are minimal. It’s not going to put change in your pocket or reduce your visits to the gas pump.
As for driving in the winter on over-inflated tires, it is true, tirepressure.com says, that some drivers find better forward traction and stopping power with over-inflated tires when on snow and ice. On regular roads without snow and ice, the opposite is true – your forward traction and stopping ability decline with over-inflation.
In addition, over-inflation is dangerous.
“Over-inflating a tire alters its sidewall flex characteristics, as well as its operating performance. Over-inflated tires can become unstable in curves, and hard to handle on high speed roads. Over-inflated tires are especially vulnerable to hydroplaning as over-inflated tire has less time to squeeze water into the tread grooves, and instead water becomes layered between the tread patch and the road. Over-inflated tires become stiffer and less flexible, making for more uncomfortable and harder ride,” according to tirepressure.com. “Riding on over-inflated tires will also contribute to irregular tire tread wear. You can tell your tire is overinflated by an excessively worn center portion of the tread.”
Instead of over- or under-inflating your tires, you should use a tire pressure gauge when putting air into your tires and you should inflate your tires to the pressure recommended by your owners’s manual.
If you’re not sure what the best tire pressure is for your car – or you’re not sure if you need new tires – it’s time to see the trusted Wichita tire specialists at Tracy’s Automotive for help. Not only can Tracy’s tire pros help you maintain your tires so they have a longer life, Tracy’s tire technicians can help you choose the right tire for you and your car.
Tracy’s Automotive is here to help you. If you don’t have time or feel you can take your car to the shop, Tracy’s Automotive will pick it up at your home or work. Then, after your car is serviced or repaired, Tracy’s Automotive will bring it back to you thoroughly cleaned.
Tracy’s passion for a better tire buying, auto care and auto repair experience drove us to develop the model of Tracy’s Automotive Tire Pros. Tracy’s has turned hard work and inspiration into a booming tire and auto repair provider. Now Tracy’s has three locations and serves customers all over Wichita and Goddard – Maple Street auto care and auto repair, E First Street N and W 21st Street N.. Tracy’s is thrilled to be a part of your family’s trusted brands for all auto repair and tire needs.
Tracy’s Automotive is a proud dealer for Jasper Engines and Vogue Performance Exhaust systems.
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