What does tire pressure mean?
If you've ever dealt with a flat tire, you may have noticed that it's not always completely empty of air. What has happened is that the compressed air inside has leaked out so badly that the weight of the car can no longer be supported. Tire pressure is the atmospheric pressure inside a tire, usually measured in pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa).
What is the purpose of tire pressure?
The air inside your tires serves many purposes:
It provides cushioning for a comfortable ride. An over-inflated tire rides much harder than a properly inflated one, while an under-inflated tire can cause a floating sensation.
This provides less rolling resistance and less road friction. The result is better fuel economy and less tire heat.
Prevents unnecessary or uneven tire wear. Excessive friction in under-inflated tires causes heat, which accelerates tread wear and wears out the outer edges of the tires. Over-inflated tires wear the center of the tire and can affect vehicle handling.
How to determine the correct tire pressure
In almost all cases, the optimum tire pressure for your vehicle is indicated on a decal located on the driver's door jamb. Some plates are in the glove box or on the edge of the door itself. The nominal tire pressure indicated on the plate must be observed.
Note: The tire itself is stamped with the maximum tire pressure that SHOULD NOT be used. It is intended to indicate the maximum safe pressure for the tire itself, but can and will cause an undesirable driving experience and excessive tire wear.
