Tire Inflation — The easiest way to increase your fuel economy

Proper tire inflation is the specified air pressure given by a carmaker for a certain tire on a specific vehicle. This pressure specification should not be confused with a tire's maximum pressure, which is usually listed on the tire's sidewall. Correct inflation is critical for safe driving and fuel efficiency, but many passenger and light truck vehicles operate with under or over-inflated tires. Approximately, ninety-five per cent (95%) of a vehicle's weight is supported by the tire air pressure, with the tire supporting just 5%, making correct inflation a critical part of a tire's ability to perform. Tire inflation also has a strong impact on tread life (extra heat being generated at low inflation pressure). Tires may be significantly under or over-inflated, yet you may not be able to tell just by looking at them, so correct inflation pressure should be measured using some reliable gauge.

A tire is a pneumatic system, which supports a vehicle's load. It does this by using compressed air inside to create tension in the carcass plies. It is important to realize a tire carcass has high-tension strength but has little or no compression strength (we know its bit technical to be understood). So, in other simpler words, it is hard to pull it apart but it squeezes together quite easily. It is the air pressure that creates tension in the carcass and allows the tire to function as a load-carrying device. That is why a correct inflation is so important. At low inflation pressure because of extra heat is generated and tire becomes hot. The "hot" tire tends to pick up puncturing objects more easily, so frequency of punctures increase.

Basically the temperature of environment affects air pressure. Typically, an inflation pressure can change by 1 psi for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature change. Higher temperature means increased pressure, so in summers you should check tires more frequently than winters. However, it is better to check for the correct inflation at least once a month. The only right way to know if your tires need to be inflated is by measuring their pressure with a reliable tire gauge.

Author Notes:

David Parker contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.buying-tires.com.