Taking a road trip is always exciting, but before hitting the road, it’s essential to ensure that your vehicle is in good condition. One of the critical components of a car that you should check before embarking on a long drive is the tire pressure.
You may be wondering whether you should fill your tires before a road trip or not. In this article, we will answer this question and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
What Happens if You Drive with Underinflated Tires?
Before we dive into whether or not you need to fill your tires before a road trip, let’s first discuss what happens when you drive with underinflated tires. When your tires are underinflated, they don’t have enough air pressure to maintain their shape and support the weight of your car. As a result, they can wear out more quickly and cause several problems such as:
- Reduced fuel efficiency
- Poor handling and stability
- Increase in stopping distance
- Tire blowouts or punctures
Should You Fill Your Tires Before a Road Trip?
Now that we know the consequences of driving with underinflated tires let’s discuss whether you should fill your tires before a road trip. The answer is yes! It’s crucial to check your tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended level before embarking on any long journey.
Reasons Why You Should Fill Your Tires Before a Road Trip
- Improved Safety: One of the main reasons why you should fill your tires before a road trip is safety. Properly inflated tires provide better handling and stability, which can help prevent accidents on the road.
- Better Fuel Efficiency: Another reason to fill your tires before a road trip is that it can improve fuel efficiency.
When your tires are underinflated, your car has to work harder to move, which can cause it to use more fuel than necessary.
- Longer Tire Life: Filling your tires before a long trip can also help extend their life. When your tires are underinflated, they wear out more quickly and unevenly, causing them to need replacement sooner.
How to Check Your Tire Pressure
Now that you know why you should fill your tires before a road trip let’s discuss how you can check the tire pressure.
- Purchase a tire pressure gauge from any auto parts or hardware store.
- Locate the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle. You can find this information in the owner’s manual or on a sticker located on the driver’s side door jamb.
- Remove the valve cap from one tire and press the gauge onto the valve stem. You should hear a hissing sound as air escapes from the tire and enters the gauge.
- The gauge will display the current air pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI).
Compare this reading with the recommended PSI for your vehicle. If it’s too low, add air until it reaches the recommended level. If it’s too high, release some air until it reaches the recommended level.
- Repeat this process for all four tires, including the spare if you plan on using it during your road trip.
In Conclusion
Filling your tires before a road trip is crucial for safety, fuel efficiency, and longer tire life. Make sure to check your tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended level before embarking on any long journey. Remember that proper tire maintenance is essential for the overall health and safety of your vehicle, so make it a habit to check your tire pressure regularly.