Summer’s warm temperatures offer drivers the opportunity to travel down dirt roads and up winding trails along with the vast American highway network. While it’s great to take friends and family on road trips, rising temperatures can also lead to changes in the tire pressure. Firestone Complete Auto Care is here to help you avoid the hazards of under- or over-inflating your tires. You may be able increase your car’s fuel economy with your new tire knowledge!
TIRE PRESSURE & TEMPERATURE? THEY RISE TOGETHER
HERE’S HOW HEAT IMPACTS YOUR TIRE PRESSURE:
For every 10 degrees of temperature change, tires will either lose or gain 1 PSI (pounds per square inch). If the temperature rises by 20 degrees, then your tires can gain 2 PSI during the day. This is a possibility in many areas of the country.
Take a look at the average Texas temperatures! Weather.com reports that the May average high is around 80 and the average low is in the 60s. As you move north or west, things cool down. Average highs are in the 70s while lows are in the 50s. This is from North Carolina to Kansas.
Your vehicle will likely encounter natural forces, such as the hills in Virginia or the plains of Oklahoma that can cause your tire pressures to fluctuate throughout the day. Why is this important?
TOO MUCH, TOO LITTLE, JUST RIGHT
LET’S TALK ABOUT THE UPS AND DOWNS OF TIRE PRESSURE
Properly inflating your tires can improve fuel economy, safety, handling, and braking performance, as well as make it easier to travel on the road. This is a key factor that makes for a wonderful summer road trip. Although tires can withstand temperature fluctuations and PSI, they are best when they are set at the recommended tire pressure. Your body will be able to thrive if you eat a well-balanced, healthy breakfast. The same goes for your car.
A tire that is too low in pressure means more of the tire’s surface comes into contact with road. This can make your car feel slow and sluggish, which may lead to a decrease in fuel economy.
According to the U.S., “Under-inflated tires may reduce gas mileage by 0.2% for every 1 PSI decrease in the average tire pressure.” Department of Energy.
Tires that are too low can not only be costly in fuel costs but also cost more to buy. Inflation can reduce the life expectancy of your tires, and make them more susceptible to damage. This will lead to you needing to purchase more tires, more often.
A tire that is too high in pressure will have less tire surface contact with the road. The tire may wear unevenly and prematurely and can cause poor handling and braking, according to CarTalk. It can also become stiffer and more susceptible to road debris and pothole damage.
Pro-Tip – Don’t expect your electronic tire pressure monitor system (TPMS), to turn on if your tire is too high. The warning light will turn on only if the tire pressure is too low or too high.
FOR SAFER SUMMER DRIVES, CHECK TIRE PRESSURE!
CHECK AND ADJUST YOUR TIRE PRESSURE BEFORE HEADING OUT
There’s no reason to guess the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle. To find the right tire pressure , just use our online tool . It takes only a few mouse clicks
Keep this number in your mind and grab your tire pressure gauge to check your tires. CarTalk notes that 35 PSI is the recommended pressure. This means you should drive at 35 PSI. For the best reading, make sure to check your tire pressure before you drive on the roads. Then, adjust your tires according to that reading. Your readings may be affected by heat, direct sunlight or parking on hot pavement.
PRESSED FOR TIME? LET YOUR TECHNICIAN TAKE A LOOK.
For a quick, free inspection of your vehicle and a tire pressure check, visit your closest Firestone Complete Auto. If your tires are showing signs of unsafe wear, our technicians will inspect them and inflate them to the required PSI. Make an appointment online, or come by to see us. We are happy to help you prepare for safe summer driving!