It also can save you time, money and aggravation. We’re not talking about the financial-currency kind of inflation, but proper inflation of your vehicle’s tires.
Those claims are not inflated. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics reveal that improperly inflated tires play a role in more than 600 deaths and 33,000 injuries each year in the U.S., due in part to improper wear and loss of traction. Improperly inflated tires have shorter service lives, and they can decrease your vehicle’s gas mileage.
The good news is that five minutes spent checking your tires once a month can help you avoid those problems. You’ll need a tire gauge, usually costing no more than a few dollars, and, of course, an air compressor, found at most gas stations, if you don’t have your own.
You’ll also need something that many vehicle owners aren’t aware of — the proper tire pressure. It’s a common mistake to use the “pounds per square inch” or “psi” number on the tire’s side. The NHTSA-recommended tire pressure can be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. It’s also often found printed on a sticker on the inside panel or vehicle frame of the driver-side door.
For more information on all aspects of tire safety and maintenance, visit the NHTSA’s tire safety page.