5 Reasons Not to Drive on Under Inflated Tires – Riding on a car might be relaxing for some people, but it is not if your car tire is under inflated!
Under inflated tires can lead to many failures that not only can cost you much to repair, but also can harm your overall safety.
So, in today’s article, we will give you the 4 reasons not to drive on under-inflated tires to better understand the risks and to prevent it.
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Let’s get into it down below!
Table of Contents
Reasons Not to Drive on Under-Inflated Tires
1. Tire Failure and Blowouts
A blowout is the most dangerous risk when driving with an under-inflated tire, the blowout itself is caused by more of the tire’s surface touching the road and warming the rubber.
Overtime, this can cause the tire to overheat and blowout.
When you’re on the road, tire blowout is so dangerous, because it can cause you to lose control of the vehicle and lead your car to rollovers.
Moreover, tire blowouts are more likely to occur at higher speeds which makes them extremely dangerous and life-threatening.
2. Fuel Efficiency
Underinflated tires can lead to increased friction between the tire and the road, which in turn results in increased fuel consumption.
When tire pressure is below the recommendation, the contact area of the tire with the road becomes larger and friction increases.
As a result, the vehicle requires more power to overcome this additional resistance.
This increased friction not only leads to higher fuel consumption, but can also accelerate uneven tire wear.
Underinflated tires tend to experience faster heating and structural damage, which can further lower fuel efficiency and reduce tire life.
Also Read: “Ideal Air Pressure for Tires“
3. Premature and Uneven Wear
Insufficient tire pressure can lead to uneven tire wear, which is often seen with faster wear especially on both the inner and outer shoulders of your tires.
When tire pressure is below the recommendation, the tire surface will stick to the road more, causing increased friction especially in the center.
As a result, the center of the tire tread will wear faster than the sides, which should have a more even load distribution.
This uneven wear not only reduces the effectiveness of vehicle traction and control, but also shortens the overall tire life.
Tires that wear faster in the center will require more frequent replacement, which can increase vehicle maintenance costs.
In addition, this condition can affect driving stability and safety, especially on wet or slippery road conditions, where decreased tire grip can be dangerous.
4. Compromised Vehicle Handling
An underinflated tire can compromise the overall handling capabilities of your car especially when you’re braking, cornering and steering.
This is because the support from the tires is not optimal, causing your car to tilt more when turning.
An under-inflated tire can also result in longer braking distances and an increased risk of accidents, especially in wet or slippery road conditions.
And lastly, steering responsiveness decreases, making the car feel heavier and less responsive to maneuvers. This can make it difficult for drivers in emergency situations or when making sudden maneuvers.
Also Read: “Best Tire Brands in The World“
5. Flat Tires
Low tire pressure puts more weight and force on your vehicle’s tires causing the tread to become shorter in a shorter time than normal.
Short tire treads also can lead to flat tires which is a big safety concern when driving on the road.
When tires are kept at their optimal air pressure, the tread will stay intact longer and reduce the risk of uncomfortable flat tires.
There you have it! The 5 reasons not to drive on under-inflated tires!
Keeping your tire within the manufacturer’s recommendation is advisable as it can not only save you the cost of unnecessary maintenance but also prevent a life-threatening accident.
