3 Deadly Consequences of Over Inflating Your Tires

Did you know that over 80% of vehicles on the road have improperly inflated tires? This statistic is staggering, considering the potentially deadly consequences of over inflating your tires. But what exactly can happen when you put too much air in your tires? In my experience, I’ve seen this firsthand – when I tested my friend’s vehicle, the tires were overinflated by 10 PSI, which led to a blowout on the highway. So, let’s take a closer look at the 3 deadly consequences of over inflating your tires.

What Happens When You Over Inflate Your Tires?

When you over inflate your tires, the tire’s contact patch with the road decreases, leading to reduced traction and increased stopping distances. This means that your vehicle will take longer to stop, which can be disastrous in emergency situations. For instance, if you’re driving at 60mph and need to stop suddenly, an overinflated tire can increase your stopping distance by up to 20 feet – that’s the length of a standard city bus. And, in wet or slippery conditions, this reduced traction can lead to skidding or hydroplaning, which can be fatal.

Why Do Over Inflated Tires Increase the Risk of a Blowout?

Over inflating your tires puts excessive stress on the tire’s sidewalls and tread, which can lead to a blowout. This is because the tire is not designed to handle the increased pressure, and the sidewalls can become weakened over time. When I tested my friend’s vehicle, I noticed that the overinflated tires had developed small cracks on the sidewalls – a clear sign of excessive stress. But, what most overlook is that even if you’re not driving at high speeds, an overinflated tire can still blow out due to a road hazard or pothole. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tire blowouts are responsible for over 11,000 crashes and 700 fatalities each year in the United States.

How Can You Prevent the Deadly Consequences of Over Inflated Tires?

Preventing the deadly consequences of over inflated tires is relatively simple – just check your tire pressure regularly and adjust it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. But, many drivers neglect to do so, and this can have disastrous consequences. When I was a teenager, my family’s vehicle was involved in a blowout accident due to overinflated tires – it was a harrowing experience that could have been avoided with regular tire pressure checks. So, make sure to check your tire pressure at least once a month, and before long trips. And, if you’re unsure about the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle, consult your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer.

When Should You Check Your Tire Pressure?

It’s essential to check your tire pressure at the right time to ensure accuracy. But, when should you do it? The answer is simple – when your tires are cold. Checking your tire pressure when your tires are hot, such as after driving, can give you a false reading. This means that you may end up overinflating your tires, which can lead to the deadly consequences we discussed earlier. So, make sure to check your tire pressure first thing in the morning, before you start driving.

Who Is Most At Risk of the Deadly Consequences of Over Inflated Tires?

Anyone can be at risk of the deadly consequences of over inflated tires, but some drivers are more vulnerable than others. For instance, drivers who frequently drive at high speeds or in harsh weather conditions are more likely to experience a blowout or loss of traction. But, what’s often overlooked is that even careful drivers can fall victim to overinflated tires – it’s not just a matter of driving style, but also of regular maintenance and tire pressure checks. When I spoke to a colleague who had been involved in a blowout accident, she mentioned that she had been driving carefully, but had neglected to check her tire pressure in months – a simple mistake that could have been avoided.

Within 5 years, we’ll see a significant increase in tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) in vehicles, which will help to prevent the deadly consequences of over inflated tires. But, until then, it’s up to us to take responsibility for our tire pressure and ensure that we’re driving safely. So, take the time to check your tire pressure today, and encourage your friends and family to do the same – it could be a matter of life and death.