Not Enough Tire Pressure
An under-inflated tire can't maintain its shape and becomes flatter than intended while in contact with the road. If a vehicle's tires are under-inflated by only 7 psi it could weaken the tire's internal structure and eventually lead to tire failure. Lower inflation pressures will allow more deflection as the tire rolls. This will build up more internal heat, increase rolling resistance and reduce the tire's tread life by as much as 25% while increasing the probability of irregular tread wear. Drivers would also find a noteworthy loss of steering precision and cornering stability. While 7 psi doesn't seem excessively low, it typically represents about 23% of a passenger car tire's recommended pressure.
Too Much Tire Pressure
An over-inflated tire is stiff and the size of its footprint in contact with the road is reduced. If a vehicle's tires are overinflated by 7 psi, they could be damaged more easily when encountering potholes or debris in the road, as well as experience irregular tread wear. Higher inflated tires cannot isolate road irregularities as well causing the vehicle to ride harsher and transmit more noise into its interior. However, higher inflation pressures reduce rolling resistance slightly and typically provide a slight improvement in steering response and cornering stability.
More Auto Inspection Tips
