Tire Inflation Drops with Cold Temperatures
Gone
is the heat of summer, replaced by cold mornings and nights. Soon,
many areas of the country will be faced with consistently chilly,
even sub-freezing temperatures.
This
time of year serves as a reminder that a drop in tire inflation
pressures corresponds with the falling thermometer readings. Goodyear
experts explain that air pressure in a tire typically goes down
1-2 pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change.
"Odds
are that many motorists haven't checked their tire pressure since
the weather began turning colder. If the last time the tire pressure
was checked was during the heat of summer, with temperatures around
90 degrees, many people could be riding on severely underinflated
tires without realizing it," said Bob Toth, marketing manager
for Goodyear auto tires.
Maintaining
proper air pressure is the single most important thing
drivers can do for their tires. Underinflation is a tire's worst
enemy, as it causes increased treadwear on the shoulder area (outside
edges) of the tire. It also generates excessive heat, which reduces
tire durability, and it can reduce fuel economy by increasing
rolling resistance — since soft tires make the vehicle work harder.
Goodyear
suggests using a reliable gauge to check tire inflation at least
once a month. To find the proper air pressure for a tire, look
in the vehicle owner's manual, in the glove box or on the driver's
side doorjamb. Hint: The inflation pressure stamped on the sidewall
of a tire is the "maximum" pressure, not the "recommended"
pressure.
"Even
though consumers can simply and quickly check the air pressure
of their tires, it becomes a neglected practice by many,"
Toth said. "That's too bad, because the four patches of rubber
that come in contact with the road surface are vitally important
to the performance of the vehicle. They are key for acceleration,
lateral traction and braking grip."
The
increasing installation of in-dash tire pressure monitor systems
on new vehicles will likely help more consumers to pay attention
to their tires' pressure levels. Still, Toth urges the old-fashioned
method of checking tire inflation.
"At
least once a month, take a few minutes and check your tire pressure
with an accurate tire gauge. You can't tell if a tire needs air
just by looking. It could be underinflated by 10 pounds and still
look fine," he said.
For
more information about Goodyear tires, visit
www.goodyear.com
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