Why Your Tires Lose Air Pressure
You car's tires are some of the most important elements of the vehicle that help keep you safe and ensure that everything runs smoothly. Sometimes, tires can lose air pressure for reasons that are not completely obvious like a nail puncture or a hole. Car tires that are lower on air pressure can be dangerous and also make your automobile work harder. This can result in the engine using too much fuel, which wastes gas at a much more rapid pace.
Common Causes
In the colder months, you may notice you need to put air in your tires more frequently. It is not that they're "losing" air, but that the air molecules compact in colder temperatures, resulting in lower tire pressure. This decrease can amount to as much as one to two pounds of pressure loss per month. Another cause may be something called permeation. Rubber tires often get very tiny cracks, and while it is not unsafe to drive on them, the tire could get a slow air leak. Eventually the leak is noticeable, and it's time to refill them with air again.
Over-inflating your tires can also cause the air pressure to decrease. When you put air in them, be sure to follow the specific pressure required for your particular tires. This can usually be found stamped somewhere on the tire, or by using a pressure gauge. The valve stems on your tire play an important role in its pressure. Broken or worn out valves can result in a slow leak, so check to make sure they remain in good condition and if not, buy replacements.
Benefits of Properly Inflated Tires
Making sure your tires have the right air pressure is essential. Here are the benefits of keeping that pressure at the right amount:
- Your car will handle much more smoothly, especially on rougher roads and sharp turns.
- In inclement weather, the tires will have a better grip on the road, resulting in a much safer ride.
- Cars with correct air pressure in the tires use much less gas than those with lower air pressure.
- Your engine will work less hard to run, resulting in less gasoline use.
- Correct air pressure will prolong the life of your tires, resulting in less wear and tear.
- Extending the life of your tires is also beneficial to the environment since it saves on fuel and reduces landfill waste with used tires.
- You will have peace of mind knowing you're driving with safely inflated tires.