We have reached that time of the year when the hot days of summer give way to the cooler temperatures of fall. So many people love this time of the year with the break from the summer heat, wonderful colors forming across the landscape as the leaves change, festivals & carnivals popping up and holidays right around the corner. So much fun to be had by all! These events normally mean more time spent driving to them, but have you thought about what these lower temperatures mean to your car or truck? More precisely the tires on your car or truck?
As the temperature changes the air pressure in your tires change. The tire air pressure changes 1.5 to 2 lbs with every 10 degrees of temperature change. I know you don't think this is very much in the grand scheme of things, but how much has the temperature dropped since you last checked the air pressure in your tires? As I am writing this, the high temperatures are predicted to be in the mid 60's. I know last week we were up to almost 80 degrees. That could be a 4 psi drop in tire air pressure, or over 11% IF you checked the tire pressure last week. Could it be longer since you checked your tire pressure? Tire pressure has a huge impact on how your car/truck rides, handles and also gas mileage. It also impacts how long your tires last, and we all want them to last longer. It is recommended to check your tire air pressure a minimum of every 2 weeks, but if you know the temperature is rising or dropping 20 or 30 degrees in the upcoming week, you will want to check them more often to help maintain proper air pressure.
While this is focusing on the tire pressure, please be sure to have your tires rotated about every 5000 miles to help maintain even tire wear. Be sure the alignment is also good. A misaligned car will definitely affect tire wear, handling and the life of that tire. For your safety, be sure to keep all of these things maintained.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me. 336-879-2606 or email me at steve@firsthomeinspect.com. Yes, I know I am a home inspector, but I am also lover of cars and at one point in my life worked as a mechanic. Please stay safe!!
See below for helpful information on tire wear patterns.
