Maintaining proper tire pressure is essential for safe driving and vehicle performance. We at Three Brothers Auto Repair know that everyday New Jersey drivers face wide temperature swings and varying road conditions that can affect tire pressure. Underinflated tires reduce your vehicle’s grip, increase fuel consumption, and even heighten the risk of blowouts or hydroplaning. In this article, we outline why low tire pressure is dangerous and how to avoid it. We’ll also include a comparison table summarizing the effects of proper versus low tire pressure.
The Dangers of Underinflated Tires
When tire pressure falls below the manufacturer’s recommended level, a number of safety and performance issues arise. Underinflated tires have a larger contact patch that leads to more friction and heat build-up. This causes the vehicle to handle poorly y braking distance to increase. You’ll notice your car feels less stable and it will take longer to stop, especially in wet or slippery conditions. In fact, studies show that underinflated tires can require up to 20% more stopping distance compared to properly inflated tires.
Underinflation also makes your tires wear out faster. The edges of the tread and the sidewalls will wear excessively because the tire bends more as you drive. This uneven wear significantly shortens tire life. Worse still, the extra heat from flexing can lead to a blowout or tire failure at speed. Simply put, tires that are underinflated by even a few PSI run much hotter and are far more likely to fail.
Fuel economy suffers as well. A low-pressure tire increases rolling resistance, causing the engine to work harder. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, each 1 PSI drop in each tire reduces fuel mileage by about 0.2%. Being 10 PSI under can cost you roughly 2% in gas mileage. Over time that adds up to more money at the pump. In short, properly inflated tires maximize your fuel efficiency, while underinflation wastes fuel.
The table below highlights how properly inflated and underinflated tires compare on key factors:
| Factor | Properly Inflated Tires | Underinflated Tires |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Efficiency | Optimal gas mileage | Lower mileage (up to 2–10% decrease) |
| Handling / Braking | Stable handling and normal braking distance | Reduced grip, hydroplaning risk, longer braking |
| Tire Wear | Even tread wear; full tire life | Excessive edge and sidewall wear |
| Blowout Risk | Minimal (tires run cool) | High (extra heat can cause failure) |
| Safety / Traction | Good traction in all conditions | Unstable driving, especially in rain/snow |
Drivers should treat this table as a quick reference. As it shows, underinflated tires compromise both safety y economy. In New Jersey, with its hot summers and cold winters, this becomes even more critical. Cold temperatures can lower tire pressure by about 1 PSI for every 10°F drop, so we always remind customers that seasonal checks are important.
Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure
Preventing tire-pressure problems starts with regular maintenance. We recommend checking your tire pressure at least once a month y before any long trip. Always measure tire pressure when the tires are cold (at least three hours after driving). The correct pressure is listed on the tire information placard on the driver’s side door jamb or in your owner’s manual. (Never inflate to the maximum pressure molded on the tire sidewall; that is a limit, not the recommended operating pressure.)
In practical terms, here are our tips for proper tire inflation:
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Use a reliable gauge. A good digital or pen gauge can accurately show your PSI. Garages and gas stations often have free gauges or air pumps you can use.
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Check all tires, including the spare. The spare tire is often forgotten but is critical in emergencies.
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Keep tires cool. Pressure rises as tires heat up. Check pressure in the morning or after the car has been parked.
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Adjust for temperature. Remember that your tire pressure will naturally fluctuate with outdoor temperature. If a cold front comes in, drop a PSI from the recommended level and recheck after driving a bit.
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Follow recommended PSI. Don’t inflate beyond the vehicle manufacturer’s PSI. Overinflating is less dangerous than underinflating, but it can cause handling issues. Stick to the recommended range for best performance.
At Three Brothers Auto Repair, we inspect tire pressure as part of routine maintenance. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also advises drivers to “…inspect tires monthly with an accurate gauge,” noting that TPMS (tire pressure monitoring systems) are no substitute for manual checks. In New Jersey’s climate, we make it a point to remind drivers: do a quick pressure check when seasons change. Cold winters can stealthily bleed air out of tires, while hot summer roads can increase pressure. Staying on top of it keeps your tires in top shape and can prevent roadside trouble.
What to Do If Your Tire Pressure Is Low
Even with the best maintenance, you may encounter low tire pressure from a puncture, a slow leak, or simply weather changes. If a low-tire-pressure warning light comes on, don’t ignore it. Our advice: safely pull over and investigate immediately. Driving on an underinflated or flat tire is dangerous and can ruin the tire’s sidewall. Once stopped in a safe spot (pull well off the road), check each tire with your gauge.
Follow these safety tips if you find low pressure:
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Slow down and use hazard lights. If you must drive slowly to a service station, keep the hazard lights on and obey traffic laws. Driving even a mile or two carefully is reasonable if necessary.
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Inflate the tire. If only one tire is low, note how many PSI it’s down. Fill it back to the recommended cold pressure as soon as possible. Most gas stations have air pumps. If you’re uncomfortable doing it, any local garage or tire shop (such as ours) can help.
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Use a spare if needed. If a tire is flat or severely underinflated, replace it with your spare if you have one. Remember to safely stow the old tire so you can inspect and repair it later.
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Call for help in emergencies. If you’re unsure or too far from help, call roadside assistance. It’s better to wait than risk a blowout by driving on a bad tire.
In short, treat a low-pressure alert as a red flag. Fix it quickly or have it fixed. This is not a problem you can safely postpone. We also recommend carrying a portable tire inflator or knowing a nearby 24-hour service station for peace of mind. After topping off the tire, recheck the pressure after a short drive to ensure the leak isn’t persistent.
Stay Safe on New Jersey Roads
Proper tire maintenance is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself on the road. By keeping tires at the right pressure, you ensure optimal handling, better fuel economy, and fewer unexpected breakdowns. Remember: check pressure monthly (and with every big temperature change), and never drive long on a tire that’s significantly underinflated.
As a New Jersey-based auto shop, we care about our community’s safety. If you ever have questions about tire pressure or need a quick check, we’re here to help. Feel free to stop by our East Rutherford shop or give us a call. Our technicians will make sure your tires are inflated correctly and your vehicle is safe to drive.
Stay vigilant about your tire pressure – it’s a small step that makes a big difference in safety. Properly inflated tires help everyone on the road: from fuel savings to smoother rides and, most importantly, keeping accidents at bay. We look forward to keeping you safely rolling on New Jersey roads.
