The Impact of Underinflated Tyres on Your Car

Underinflated car tyres have a significant effect on your car's performance. And on your bank balance.

When we are talking about the pitfalls of underinflated tyres, its not just about safety. Although this is the main reason we want to fix this problem. 

An underinflated tyre can also cause you money problems. Be that through increased fuel usage – leading to greater bills at the petrol station. Or fixing your car after it has been involved in an accident cause by poorly maintained tyres.

Tyre Wear & Tear

One of the most notable signs of underinflated tyres is that over time the tread will wear quicker. And it will wear unevenly. 

Underinflated tyres cause the rubber to sags as more of the tyre comes into contact with the road. This has the knock on effect of your tyre’s sidewalls to losing their shape. Leading to faster wear.

Should you ignore this problem for too long, it is highly likely that you will need to replace your tyres much sooner that normal. An expensive mistake to make.

Handling & Grip

Driving with underinflated tyres has an impact on the handling and the braking capabilities of your vehicle. 

A lack of air in the tyre leads to the increased risk of the tyre’s rubber twisting and failing to grip the road in an optimal way.

This leaves your steering feeling heavy and unresponsive. A real concern when driving in wet or slippery weather conditions.

Uncomfortable Driving Experience

Underinflated tyres often lead to an unpleasant driving experience.

Your tyres and suspension work together to absorb the bumps of the road. 

Cushioning you from the worst of it. If your tyres are not correctly inflated, you are much more likely to feel every bump and pothole you hit when driving. 

This can be not only uncomfortable but also potentially damaging to your wheels.

Durability & Longevity

Driving on underinflated tyres can compromise their overall structure, leading to cracks along the sidewall.

Unfortunately, these cracks cannot be repaired, making replacement necessary.

This is another costly expense that you can avoid by ensuring that your tyres are always properly inflated

The Key to Prevention

To prevent underinflation, it's crucial to regularly check your tyres.

In addition to measuring the tread depth and inspecting the sidewalls for damage, it's important to monitor the tyre pressure.

Ideally, you should check your tyre pressure every two weeks.

If you notice a recurring change in pressure from the recommended level mentioned in your vehicle's handbook, it's advisable to have your tyres inspected by a tyre fitter.

They can identify any potential slow punctures or other faults that may be causing the pressure fluctuations.