Maintaining tire pressure is essential for overall vehicle safety. Overinflated and underinflated tires can be dangerous for the driver and the vehicle. Car owners often underestimate the importance of tires. Tires are the workhorses of our vehicles. If the air pressure, friction, and tread are not proper, the vehicle could skid on the road. A car owner must check the tire pressure every three weeks or a month in order to ensure safe driving. The following are 5 reasons why checking tire pressure so often is so important. Affects Tire’s Contact Surface The contact surface of the tire is its footprint on the road. It is the contact between the rubber and the road surface that causes the car to move. The contact surface not only contributes to a smooth ride but also keeps the car in control when making turns or hitting the brake. The contact surface is affected mostly when the tires are overinflated. Prevents Premature Wear and Tear Another reason why you need to maintain the tire pressure and keep a check on it is that it prevents premature wear and tear. Car tires are not everlasting – they wear out after a certain period of time. While they will not last forever, you can extend their lifespan and prevent premature wear and tear by maintaining the tire pressure. Decreases the Chance of Flat Tires Underinflated tires, which have lower air pressure, will increase the chances of flat tires. Flat tires may also lead to rubber damage or punctures that are irreparable. Furthermore, flat tires take a lot of time and effort to change. Imagine you have to reach somewhere on time and you get a flat tire that could otherwise be avoided if you had checked the air pressure beforehand. Overinflated tires, on the contrary, increase the chances of flat tires. An explosive flat tire when you are driving the car makes it difficult to control or handle the car. Decreases Fuel Costs Underinflated tires result in inefficient fuel consumption as they require extra engine power to accelerate. Tires that are under or overinflated may result in up to 5% more fuel costs. Proper air pressure in the tires will also prevent premature wear and tear, as discussed above, and reduce the chances of flat or explosive tires, all of which eventually save costs. Leads to a Smooth Ride If the tire air pressure is not maintained, it will create cornering and handling issues for the driver. Improper inflation will lead to a bumpy, uncomfortable ride. Maintaining tire air pressure is not a difficult task. If you want a smooth, controlled ride with higher fuel efficiency, you must keep a check on your tire pressure every now and then. If you continue to face problems, feel free to contact our experts at Oceanworks II.