Too high or too low, and the wrong tire pressure can lead to disaster.

It’s easy to overlook the importance of proper tire pressure. As tire professionals, we are all keenly aware of the fact that we need to inflate tires to a given pressure, but we have to admit that it can be easy to forget to check tire pressure regularly. This simple oversight, however, can lead to big problems, especially in parts of the world where it’s cold at night and warm during the days.

Let’s face it: Temperature affects tire pressure. That’s just a simple fact of physics. This means that we can inflate a tire to a certain pressure when it’s cold, and that pressure will then rise as the tire warms up. The opposite is also true: We can inflate a tire to a given pressure when it’s hot, and that pressure will drop as the tire cools. That’s why we follow a simple rule: Inflate tires to the proper pressure when they’re cold.

Avoiding dangers

One of the reasons we need to keep to make sure tires are properly inflated is the fact that both underinflated and overinflated tires present real dangers. For example, when the pressure is too low, a tire can blowout. That’s because when a tire is underinflated, the sidewalls flex more they they should, and the heat builds up within the tire. In extreme cases, the heat can get so high that the rubber can separate from the carcass, resulting in a blowout.

The same warning applies to overinflated tires. Although there’s no danger that the sidewalls will flex more than they should, if the tire is overinflated to dangerous levels, this too can result in a blowout, especially if the tire hits a pothole or other obstacle.

Tires that work for a living

One of the key reasons to maintain proper tire pressure is load capacity. This is especially important for tires that work for a living. In other words, proper tire pressure is critical for LT tires, commercial tires, and OTR tires. These are found on vehicles that are often called up to haul heavy loads, and they can’t do so effectively or safely if the tires aren’t properly inflated.

When it comes to carrying a load, it’s the air within the tire, and the pressure that the air exerts on the tire from within, that does all of the heavy lifting. This is why it’s important to get the right volume of air into the tire, and by extension, why the right tire pressure is important.

At this time of the year, when much of the planet transitions into either cooler or warmer weather, depending on which hemisphere we’re in, keeping an eye on tire pressure is key to getting through each workday safely. So please take the time to measure and adjust tire pressure accordingly, regardless of the type of vehicles you work with. Doing so assures that everyone on the job site can get home safely at the end of the day to be with their loved ones. Stay safe!