Many people are not properly educated about proper tire pressure maintenance.  They neglect to check their tire pressure at all until the wheel and tire is visibly sagging.  This is extremely dangerous, as a tire that is visibly sagging is already hazardously under inflated.  It is a good idea to make it a habit to check your tire pressure every time you pull into the gas station for a fill up.  Carry a tire gauge with you in the glove box, and simply do a quick walk-around to all 4 tires while your gas is pumping.  This will ensure that you do not put yourself at higher risk for a traffic accident as a result of under or over inflated tires.

What is the correct tire pressure?

This will vary slightly from vehicle to vehicle, but the generally accepted range is from 30-35psi.  It is usually recommended that drivers who spend more time on the highway, or at higher speeds, choose the higher end of this range, from 34-35psi.  For local streets, 30-32psi will suffice.  Some people make the mistake of over inflating their tires as they feel that a “low tire” is bad, so a “full tire” must be good.  This is not at all accurate.  Over inflating a tire can be just as dangerous as under inflating.  An over inflated tire will result in dangerous handling for the automobile, as it will be far more likely to skid or lock the brakes.  This can lead to a traffic accident.  Grossly over inflated tires run the risk of bursting, so it is extremely important to avoid this.

What if the tire is leaking?

If you have a tire that’s leaking slowly, have it professionally fixed or replaced, as opposed to continually refilling it.  The condition of this tire will only get worse, eventually leading to a potential blow out.  Tires are a very important part of your vehicle’s safety, so it is important to not overlook tire maintenance.  Keep your tires properly inflated at all times and make it a habit of checking them.  This will guarantee that they keep you safe for years to come.