Many drivers think that running tires at a higher pressure than recommended will improve fuel economy and performance. What they don’t know is that, in reality, it does not play out that way. Overinflated tyres, which may appear to be a harmless issue, actually have very real problems that affect safety, comfort, and also the life of your tires. At Sand Dance Tyre, we see a great deal of cars with improper air pressure, and the results of that are more severe than what the public is made aware of. By which we also see a high number of issues that could have been avoided if only the risks were better known.
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Why Overinflated Tyres Are More Dangerous Than You Think
When tires are inflated past the manufacturer’s recommendation, they become stiff and lose flexibility. This stiffness decreases the tire’s shock absorption, which in turn makes road imperfections more noticeable. Drivers tend to think of this firmness as an enhancement of handling, but in fact, overinflated tyres trade off against ride quality and control.
The most significant issue is that of safety. We see that with greater stress, tires are more likely to break out at high speed, which in turn is a summer issue. The extra stress causes the tire structure to extend past what is meant to be the maximum, which in turn increases the blowout chance. At highway speeds, a sudden blowout may cause an accident and damage to the vehicle.
Centre Wear and Tyre Bulge Risk in Overinflated Tyres
One of the primary issues that you see with over-inflated tires is irregular wear. Instead of wearing down evenly, the tire will wear out in the center; that is to say, the middle will wear out at a faster rate than the sides. This, in turn, shortens the tire’s life span and also reduces traction on wet or slippery roads. Over time, what you are left with is replacing your tires more often, which in turn increases maintenance costs.
Another issue we see is with a tyre bulge. Overinflated tyres are more prone to develop bulges or blisters on the sidewall from that excess pressure. Also, these bulges weaken the structure of the tire, which in turn may cause it to fail at any time. Unlike wear out, which is a slow process, a bulge can cause failure very suddenly, which leaves the driver with little to no warning.
Reduced Traction and Tyre Bouncing Concerns
Tyres’ primary function is to maintain optimal contact with the road. At high pressure, the contact patch reduces, which in turn decreases traction. This is particularly dangerous in wet conditions, which see less contact and thus an increased risk of hydroplaning. Also, vehicles with overinflated tires have greater brake distances, which in turn reduces overall safety.
Another issue is that of tyre bounce. We see that overinflated tyres are rigid, which in turn causes them to do a poor job at absorbing road imperfections. This, in turn, causes a bouncing that not only decreases passenger comfort but also places extra stress on suspension elements. Over time, what we note is that this results in higher repair bills, which in turn degrade the vehicles’ handling performance.
The Hidden Financial and Safety Costs
Drivers who do still put out overinflated tyres see that they are paying a hidden price that goes beyond just tire replacement. Uneven tread wear causes early purchases, also poor traction and increased blowout risk, which in turn raises accident chances. Also, a minor issue of tire pressure is a snowball into large-scale maintenance issues.
At Sand Dance Tyre, we note that our specialists put out the word on the importance of routine tire pressure check-ups as well as following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Not only does it put tire wear to a minimum and get you the life you need out of them, but it also keeps your car handling and stable in all weather and traffic conditions you may come across. By staying away from tires that are over-inflated, you will also be at ease in the fact that you are protecting the investment in your tires, increasing the safety of each ride, and also experiencing a nicer, smoother drive.
FAQs
Q1: How can I tell if my tires are overinflated?
Increased road vibration may be noticed, as well as reduced traction or center wear on the tyre tread. For best results, use a tyre pressure gauge.
Q2: Can large tyres improve fuel efficiency?
While a few drivers think that hard compound tires improve fuel economy, we see minimal benefit in that, which does not offset the safety issues and wear problems.
Q3: What is the issue if I drive with overinflated tyres?
You are at risk of blowouts, uneven wear, reduced comfort, and your suspension system may be damaged.
Q4: What is the proper frequency for checking my tire pressure?
It is suggested to check your tire pressure once a month and before long trips for the best results and safety.
