Maintaining the health of your tires is essential for a safe driving experience.
One thing to keep in mind is your tire pressure. If it’s low, it can cause numerous issues resulting in a bumpy ride and an increased chance of a road accident.
Here are six warning signs that your tires need to be pumped up ASAP.
1. The Tire Pressure Light
The first sign most people get that they need to check tire pressure is when the tire pressure light goes off in their vehicle.
The TPMS, or Tire Pressure Monitoring System) lets you know when it’s gotten too low. At this point, you should use a gauge to check the pressure yourself.
If your tire pressure is fine, you might need to get the warning system checked out.
2. Low-Pressure Reading
Even when the TPMS isn’t going off, you should be checking your tire pressure regularly. That’s where a tire pressure gauge comes in.
You might be asking, “What should my tire pressure be, then?”
First of all, you can look up the tire manufacturer’s recommended PSI to know what the reading should be. The gauge, either digital or standard, shows the PSI reading.
3. Higher Fuel Consumption
Your vehicle’s fuel rating was assigned to it based on properly inflated tires. If your tires are underinflated, then your car has to put in more power to make up for the extra friction.
As such, you’ll likely notice you’re running out of gas more quickly when your tires have low pressure.
4. Difficulty Steering
Low tire pressure could also hurt your steering capabilities. When they’re underinflated, your car might take longer to take turns or may sway into the turn.
If you notice this happening, you should pull over and check your tire pressure. Better for them to need reinflating than for it to be a problem with your steering system.
5. Stopping Distance
In addition to difficulty steering, you may notice that it takes longer than normal for your car to stop. That’s because your tires can’t grip the pavement as well when they’re not fully inflated.
It could become a major road hazard if you overestimate your car’s stopping capabilities. Reinflate your tires as soon as you can to avoid an accident.
6. Flat Tire
The most obvious warning sign that you need to deal with your tires is if they’ve gone completely flat.
Not only will all of the above warning signs be evident, but you will also likely hear a flapping noise when you’re driving. That sound is your underinflated tire slapping against the road.
If your car is going flat much too often, consider getting some new tires.
Check It Before You Wreck It
Checking your tire pressure should be an important part of your routine car service. Go too long without, and you could end up with any of these warning signs or end up in an accident.
For more tips and advice for your vehicle, check out our other articles.