What are the consequences of driving with inadequate tire pressure? There can be two circumstances: they are low in pressure or, on the contrary, they have excess air. Let’s see what happens.
We usually pay little or no attention to the car tire. It is one of the most important parts that directly affects driving safety, not to mention that it also influences the vehicle’s consumption figure.
Carry them with low pressure
In the event that we usually take them low pressurein these conditions the useful life of the tire can be shortened by up to 20%, while fuel consumption can be increased by 6%, according to Euromaster, a vehicle maintenance specialist.
In this situation of insufficient inflation pressure, the greatest wear on the tire structure occurs at the shoulders of the tire or at the junction between the sidewalls and the tread, a situation that multiplies the chances of suffering a blowout on the road and Therefore, an accident.
Circulate with excess air
On the contrary, circulate with excess air in the tires It can also accelerate its wear and, therefore, reduce its durability. Drive normally with a pressure 1 bar above the values recommended by the manufacturer accelerates wear of the tire in the central part of the tread, instead of distributing all the weight equally, which is the most recommended and safest thing.
In these conditions, the contact surface of the tire with the road is smaller. and, therefore, in the event of emergency braking, the grip will be worse, meaning the car will travel more meters without being able to stop, the Euromaster experts clarify.
Keep an eye on the spare wheel
It is important not to forget monitor spare tire pressureone of the great forgotten in maintenance. Although in most cases it is not used, it is advisable to monitor its pressure, especially when it has not been checked for several years. In this sense, the most appropriate thing is to control your pressure at least once a year coinciding, for example, with the annual car checkup. This ensures that the cover will have the correct pressure if use is necessary.
The correct pressure levels
The most common pressure levels in cars are usually between 2 and 2.6 barsbut Euromaster places emphasis on achieving the exact levels recommended by the manufacturer. This information can be found in the vehicle manual.and also on the sticker that is usually on the fuel tank cap or on the driver’s door pillar.
The pressures that are usually indicated are two: a for normal driving conditionswhere one to four people usually travel in the vehicle; and another, under full load conditionswith four or five approved passengers and the trunk filled with a lot of luggage,
It is recommended to check the levels at least once a monthmore frequently if you live in an area where there are sudden changes in temperature since it is in these places where the tires lose pressure more quickly and, on average, they can lose about 0.69 bar per month, more if there is very hot.
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