Why tire pressure matters for road safety

Tires are one of the most important components of any motor vehicle. Anyone who has experienced a sudden flat tire knows that driving safely after one tire loses inflation is all but impossible.

All too often, people neglect their tires. They may occasionally check them for signs of wear so they know when to replace them. However, they may be less diligent about maintaining proper tire inflation. Every different size and brand of tire requires a different tire pressure for optimal performance. Ideally, drivers should check their tire pressure regularly.

What impact does tire pressure have on vehicle performance?

Tire pressure directly affects traction

Tires don’t just help a vehicle roll forward. They help it maintain a grip on the road. Proper traction is necessary to stop a vehicle or conduct a safe turn. Tires with low pressure tend to have less traction. They can cause spin-outs when drivers try to pull out from an intersection or driveway. Tires with low pressure are more likely to skid during a turn or abrupt stop. Proper pressure in all four tires is therefore crucial for the optimal performance of a vehicle.

Particularly when weather changes from season to season, tire pressure may also change. Cold weather conditions may lead to low pressure in tires that previously conformed to manufacturer pressure standards.

Drivers who want to better ensure their safety in traffic may need to regularly check their tires for low pressure. They may need to replace tires that have slow leaks and do not maintain consistent pressure. Doing so can help a driver maintain control of their vehicle in all kinds of traffic and weather conditions.

When a driver who caused a crash has clearly underinflated tires, that could be a sign of negligent vehicle maintenance. The people involved in the crash they caused may have grounds to hold that driver accountable for failing to do what reasonable people recognize is necessary for safety.

Learning more about vehicle maintenance factors that directly relate to motor vehicle crash risk can help people stay as safe as possible. Drivers who regularly inspect their tires and check their pressure have less reason to worry about the sudden failure of their tires.