We all know that it’s essential to keep our tires properly inflated. But did you know that overinflating your tires can be just as bad as underinflating them? So, what happens if you overfill your tires?
If you overfill your tires, you create a safety hazard. Overinflated tires can cause blowouts, loss of traction, faster damage, or an accident. If you overinflate your tires, deflate them to the recommended pressure immediately.
Although some think overfilling tires is a good way to increase their gas mileage, it can actually do quite the opposite and cause problems down the road. Keep reading to learn more about what happens if you overfill your tires and how you can avoid making this mistake.
The risks that come with overinflated tires
Overfilled tires wear out faster
If you overfill your tires, the extra pressure can cause them to wear out faster. The sidewalls of the tires will flex more than they’re supposed to, which can lead to cracking or breaking.
In addition, the tread will wear down unevenly, causing tracking problems. All of this extra wear and tear can shorten the lifespan of your tires, meaning you’ll have to replace them more often.
Especially if your tires are low on the tread or near bald, it can be super dangerous because the walls of your tires are much thinner. Learn more about driving on bald tires.
Overfilled tires are more susceptible to blowouts
Overinflated tires are more susceptible to blowouts. The extra pressure can cause the tread to separate from the tire, leading to a catastrophic failure. If you’re driving at high speeds when this happens, it can be hazardous.
Besides, when the tires heat up from the friction of the road, the air inside expands. That can cause even more pressure to build up and lead to a blowout.
Road debris may damage the tires
If you’re driving on a road with a lot of debris, the overinflated tires can be more susceptible to punctures.
The extra pressure can cause the tires to bounce, which can cause them to hit debris on the road. That can lead to a flat tire or even a blowout. If you’re driving on a lot of debris, it’s best to let some air out of the tires so they’re not as susceptible to punctures.
Overfilled tires may lose their traction
If you’re driving in wet or snowy conditions, overinflated tires can lose their traction. The extra pressure can cause the tires to skid on the road, leading to an accident. If you’re driving in adverse conditions, it’s best to let some air out of the tires, so they have better traction.
Note: Overfilling your tires increases the risk of having an accident, so it’s essential to be extra careful if you’re driving in bad weather.
Tire walls could fail
Your overfilled tire walls could become weak and begin to fail. This can cause tire bubbles or even blowouts.
What to do if you overfill your tires
Check the recommended pressure
The first thing you should do if you think you’ve overfilled your tires is to check the recommended pressure. Every car has a different recommended tire pressure, so it’s essential to check your owner’s manual or the doorjamb placard to see the correct pressure for your vehicle.
Let some air out of the tires
If you’ve overfilled your tires, you’ll need to let some air out. Here’s how to do it:
- Find the valve stem on your tire. It’s usually located on the side of the tire.
- Unscrew the cap from the valve stem.
- Press down on the valve stem with your thumb to release some air.
- Check the pressure gauge to see how much air you’ve released.
- Repeat steps 1-4 until the tires are at the correct pressure.
Here’s a quick video animation on how to deflate car tires:
Avoid Driving with Overinflated Tires
Now that you know what can happen if you overfill your tires, you’ll want to avoid driving with overinflated tires. To avoid overfilling your tires, invest in a quality tire pressure gauge so you can check the pressure accurately.
In that regard, check this Vondior Tire Pressure Gauge from Amazon.com. It’s a high-performance, easy-to-use analog tire pressure gauge perfect for your needs. Besides, it’s ANSI certified and features a glow-in-the-dark dial for easy readings in low-light conditions.
It’s also a good idea to check the pressure regularly, at least twice a month. That will help you catch any problems early on and fix them before they cause any damage.
Learn more about tires
Learn more about how tires are built and how to look after them.
Final remark
Overinflating your tires can cause several problems, from accelerated tread wear to decreased traction. It’s essential to check your tire pressure regularly and let some air out if you think you’ve overfilled them. Remember, driving with overinflated tires can be dangerous, so it’s best to avoid it altogether.