Driving on under-inflated tires not only affects the handling and braking of a vehicle, it can also cause tires to overheat and increase the likelihood of a blowout. This problem becomes even more of a concern when road temperatures are extremely high.
More than half the vehicles on the road were found to have at least one under-inflated tire, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association. It’s also been reported that 85 percent of motorists do not know how to properly inflate their tires.
Tires should be checked when a car has not been driven, and they should be inflated to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, not the number molded into the tire sidewall. Manufacturer recommended tire pressures can be found on a sticker normally located on the driver’s door jamb, inside the glove-box, or inside the fuel filler flap. If the tires on your vehicle are not the tires originally provided with the vehicle , please contact the current tire manufacturer for the recommended tire pressure. Some vehicles use different pressures for the front and rear tires.
While checking the tire pressures—including the spare—drivers should also inspect the tire treads for adequate depth and any signs of uneven wear that might indicate a suspension or alignment problem.