The Facts Behind Three Common Tire Misconceptions

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Despite the fact that the tires are one of the most important components of your car, they are one of the most misunderstood. Some of the misconceptions about tires have been passed around for so long that it can be hard to tell what the truth actually is. In fact, some of these misconceptions can actually affect the safety of your car. The best way to ensure that your tires are safe is to understand the truth behind the false information. Here are a few of the most common misconceptions that you're likely to hear and the truth behind them.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System Ensures Safe Inflation

Tire pressure monitoring systems are not required to notify you of a problem until the tires are under-inflated by a quarter of the recommended pressure. That is an unsafe level for driving, because the pressure in the tires at that level is barely sufficient for supporting the vehicle's weight load. These monitoring systems are intended as a final emergency alert before your tires are unsafe to drive on, not as a replacement for your own manual tire pressure checks.

In addition to keeping an eye on your tire pressure monitoring system, you should invest in a quality tire gauge to monitor the pressure on your own. Check the pressure monthly, and make sure to do it after the car has sat overnight. You can find the manufacturer's recommended pressure rating on a sticker on the driver's door jamb as well as in your owner's manual.

You Should Inflate Your Tires To The Pressure Stamped On The Sidewall

The figure stamped on your tire's sidewall refers to the maximum pressure that the tire itself can be safely inflated to. That does not account for the variations in vehicle weight, suspension and handling. All of these things contribute to the recommended pressure that your car's manufacturer provides you.

Not only can over-inflating your tires to the level on the sidewall decrease your fuel economy, but it can also cause abnormal wear on the tire. Your tires are likely to wear in the center without the same level of wear on the outer edges, because the higher tire pressure will cause the center strip of the tread to bulge out slightly.

For the most responsive and safest handling and tire wear, keep your tires inflated to the level that is recommended by your car's manufacturer.

If You're Only Replacing Two Tires, Put Them On The Front

You might think that putting new tires on the front will give your car better grip and handling on the road. After all, your front tires are the ones that lead the car, right? The truth is, your car's rear tires are the ones that provide the majority of the stability. Without that stability, damp roads could spell a handling nightmare at best or a serious accident at worst.

Placing the new tires up front will cause the front tires to easily disperse the water on the roadway while your rear tires, which contribute to stability, are slipping on the wet pavement due to poor grip. The water will actually cause the worn tires to lift off the road, which can cause you to hydroplane. To prevent this, always put new tires on the rear of the car and rotate the rear ones to the front. Even better, make sure that your tires are being rotated at the interval recommended by your car's manufacturer.

Your car's tires are vital to the stability, safety and handling of the car. When you understand the truth behind many of these common misconceptions, you can treat your tires properly, preserving them and keeping you safe on the road. If you're uncertain about your tire condition, talk with a local tire shop for an inspection and guidance.

27 March 2015