Tech Tip Tuesday!

Here in Alabama we all know how hot it can get during the summer months. Did you know that the temperatures can actually effect your tire pressure? In fact, with every 10 degree change in the weather your tire pressure changes by 1 PSI. This means, if the temperature goes from 60 to 80 (which is a daily occurrence in Alabama), your tires have gained 2 PSI. 

Although tires are designed to handle slight change in PSI, they perform best at their recommended tire pressure. Proper tire inflation can help improve fuel economy, increase handling and safety, allow more responsive braking, and provide a smoother ride.  “Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by about 0.2% for every 1 PSI drop in the average pressure of all tires,” reports the U.S. Department of Energy. Underinflation can also decrease the lifespan on your tires and make them more vulnerable to damage. When the tire is overinflated, it will wear unevenly and prematurely, cause the vehicle to handle and brake poorly, and can also make it more susceptible to damage from potholes and road debris. 

 Your vehicle’s recommended PSI can be found in your owner’s manual and on a sticker in the driver door, in most vehicles.  With this number in mind, grab your tire pressure gauge, and check your tires.  If your recommended pressure is 35 PSI, that means 35 PSI before you start driving. This means the best time to get an accurate read is in the morning before you hit the road. In the summertime, your reading may be impacted if the vehicle has been sitting in direct sunlight for a while or parked on hot pavement. 

 Although Gene & Sons is not a tire shop, we are more than happy to check your tire pressure, top you off (if necessary), assess the condition of your tires, and even recommend a local tire shop for anything we can’t help you with. 

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