Written by Dustin Hawley from
https://www.jdpower.com/The Head of the Mercedes Formula 1 team, Toto Wolff, believes tires have become the single most crucial factor in the Formula 1 title fight between Mercedes and Ferrari. However, many drivers who are otherwise cautious of their cars tend to ignore their tires - among the most critical vehicle parts under the hood.
Like any other part of your car, tires require monitoring and care. Good tires make your driving experience safe and pleasurable, whereas bad tires can land you in trouble. What makes a good tire? Apart from the tire's grip (visible), the most crucial aspect is air pressure. Pressure is key to safe, functional tires, so it’s critical to know how much is too low when it comes to tire pressure.
Ideal Tire Pressure
Tire pressure between 32 to 35 PSI is most suitable for most vehicles. However, one can go as low as 20 PSI (although that is not recommended). Anything below 20 PSI is considered a flat tire.
PSI stands for Pounds per Square Inch. Since most governments have made the 'Tire Pressure Monitoring System' mandatory, you don’t need to bend your back every day to check the tire pressure: sensors will raise alarms whenever there is a drop in pressure. To summarize, 32 - 35 is recommended; as a rule of thumb, make 28 a minimum, and if your tire pressure dips below 20, call vehicle support services and get your tire refilled immediately.
What Impacts Your Car Tire Pressure?
- Air Temperature. Surprised to see your TPMS indicator light up in the morning? How did the tire pressure suddenly get so low? The answer lies in science. As temperature dips, rubber contracts, and your tires lose pressure. You don’t need to worry as this is a perfectly normal phenomenon; if the pressure isn’t too low, as you start and run the car, friction will cause the rubber to heat, and the tires will regain their pressure as heat expands rubber.
- Slow Leak. Your tires could leak gradually for various reasons. This includes a loose nozzle cap, a crack in the tire, wrong alignment, or a cut that is not big enough to be a puncture yet.
- Puncture. Punctures can cause tires to immediately lose air pressure.
These are some of the things that can reduce your tire pressure, but there are several other factors, such as premature wearing, valve system failure, wheel bead corrosion, and poor roads and potholes.
Low Tire Pressure And How To Avoid It
Tire pressure has a significant impact on your vehicle's performance. If it goes too low, your safety - and the safety of others on the road - will be impacted. Let’s take a quick look at how to avoid low tire pressure.
Make tire pressure monitoring part of regular automotive maintenance. A biweekly inspection is good enough to consistently detect and address low pressure. Don’t just inspect your running tires: you also want to keep a tab on the spare ones. You can also buy a tire pressure gauge, widely available for less than 10$, at your nearest automobile store.
Summary
As a driver, maintaining the correct tire pressure is always a good idea. Keep it between 32 to 35 PSI. Any lower than 20 PSI, though, and you’ve got a flat tire. Consistently monitor your tire pressure and make sure to regularly fill your tires with air to keep them in that ideal 32 to 35 PSI sweet spot, for better safety and mileage.
