The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that there are nearly 11,000 tire-related motor vehicle crashes each year—many of these accidents are a result of tire underinflation. Beyond safety, underinflated tires can cost small businesses a lot of money in fuel, maintenance, repairs, and more. Adequate tire pressure is essential in keeping your drivers and vehicles safe, and your company running smoothly.
What happens if you drive a car with low tire pressure?
If you drive a car with low tire pressure, you can expect lowered fuel efficiency, compromised tire performance and lifespan, and elevated risk to the driver’s safety and the safety of others on the road. When a tire’s air pressure is low, the handling is compromised and there is an increased risk of tire failure.
Compromised vehicle handling
When a tire is underinflated, its sidewalls flex more than they are designed to while handling—specifically when braking, cornering, and steering. Low tire pressure increases braking distance length and slows down response time to steering.
This can be incredibly dangerous in an emergency situation when every fraction of a second counts and a vehicle’s response could mean life or death. For example, if your vehicle has underinflated tires, the risk of hydroplaning increases significantly at lower speeds than it would be with properly inflated tires.
What happens if you drive a car with low tire pressure?
If you drive a car with low tire pressure, you can expect lowered fuel efficiency, compromised tire performance and lifespan, and elevated risk to the driver’s safety and the safety of others on the road. When a tire’s air pressure is low, the handling is compromised and there is an increased risk of tire failure.
Compromised vehicle handling
When a tire is underinflated, its sidewalls flex more than they are designed to while handling—specifically when braking, cornering, and steering. Low tire pressure increases braking distance length and slows down response time to steering.
This can be incredibly dangerous in an emergency situation when every fraction of a second counts and a vehicle’s response could mean life or death. For example, if your vehicle has underinflated tires, the risk of hydroplaning increases significantly at lower speeds than it would be with properly inflated tires.
