Tech Tip of the Week | Encks Auto Repair By Paul Enck | Call: 727-822-1
A low tire is not just an inconvenience — it affects your fuel economy, wears the tire down faster, and puts additional strain on your shocks and suspension. It is one of the simplest things to check and one of the most commonly overlooked.
“When you have a low tire — bad fuel economy, it’s hard on the tire and the shocks in the vehicle.”
— Paul Enck, Encks Auto Repair
1. Tire Pressure
Use a pressure gauge to check each tire. The vehicle in this Tech Tip is sitting at 35 PSI — right where it needs to be. Your correct pressure may differ depending on your vehicle, so always refer to the sticker on your driver’s door jamb for the recommended figure.
2. Sidewall Condition
Do not stop at pressure. While you are down there, take a close look at the sidewall of each tire. You are looking for cracks or any signs of the tire coming apart — both of which can lead to a sudden blowout with very little warning.
“A visual examination of the sidewall — looking for cracks where you might possibly have a blowout due to the tire coming apart.”
— Paul Enck, Encks Auto Repair
1. How often should I check my tire pressure?
Once a month is the standard recommendation. Tires naturally lose a small amount of pressure over time, and seasonal temperature changes can cause pressure to drop or rise noticeably. A monthly check keeps you ahead of any issues.
2. How do I find the correct tire pressure for my vehicle?
Check the sticker on the inside of your driver’s door jamb. That is the manufacturer’s recommended pressure for your specific vehicle. Do not use the maximum pressure number printed on the tire sidewall — that is the tire’s limit, not the recommended operating pressure.
3. What happens if I drive on underinflated tires?
Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. They also generate excess heat, wear unevenly, and put additional stress on suspension components like shocks and struts. Over time this shortens the life of both the tires and the suspension.
4. Can overinflated tires cause problems too?
Yes. Overinflated tires have a smaller contact patch with the road, which reduces traction and braking performance. They also wear faster in the center of the tread and are more vulnerable to damage from road hazards like potholes.
5. What should I look for when inspecting the sidewall?
Look for cracking, bulging, or any area where the rubber appears to be separating or coming apart. Surface level hairline cracks may be early wear, but deep cracks or any bulging are signs the tire needs to be replaced immediately.
6. Can a tire look fine but still be dangerous?
Yes. As Paul has shown in previous Tech Tips, a tire can have good tread remaining but have compromised sidewalls that make it unsafe to drive on. Always inspect the full tire — not just the tread surface.
7. Does temperature affect tire pressure?
Yes. Tire pressure drops roughly one PSI for every ten degree drop in temperature. During colder months tires can go from properly inflated to noticeably low without any leak present. Check pressure more frequently during seasonal transitions.
8. How long does it take to check tire pressure?
Less than five minutes for all four tires with a basic handheld gauge. It is one of the quickest and most impactful maintenance checks any driver can do on their own.
9. Should I check tire pressure when the tires are hot or cold?
Always check when the tires are cold — meaning the vehicle has been parked for at least three hours or driven less than a mile. Driving heats the air inside the tire and raises the pressure reading, which can give you a falsely high result.
10. What is the easiest way to remember to check tire pressure regularly?
Tie it to something you already do monthly — like checking your oil or filling up with gas. Keeping a small pressure gauge in your glove box makes it easy to check any time without needing to visit a shop or gas station.
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