As cooler weather comes in, it's especially important for motorists to check their tire pressures. For every 10-degree drop in outside temperature, tires typically lose one to two pounds per square inch (PSI).
Maintaining proper tire pressure is key to safe and efficient vehicle operation. AAA research shows that one in every three cars has a significantly under-inflated tire. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 660 fatalities and 33,000 injuries occur every year as the result of low-tire-pressure-related crashes. Driving on under-inflated tires is harmful for several reasons:
* Unsafe. Under-inflation causes tires to build excessive heat that can damage them over time and lead to failure. It can also degrade handling precision and increase stopping distances.
* Not fuel-efficient. For every PSI pressure drop in all four tires, gas mileage is reduced approximately 0.4 percent.
* Increasing tire wear. Under-inflated tires wear unevenly, reducing thier lives.
For more information, visit www.AAA.com or your local AAA Approved Auto Repair facility.
