If you drive a car with low tire pressure, you can expect lowered fuel efficiency, compromised tire performance and lifespan, and elevated risk to the driver’s safety and the safety of others on the road. When a tire’s air pressure is low, the handling is compromised and there is an increased risk of tire failure.

Let’s discuss these effects of low tire pressure in more detail below:

The effects of low tire pressure

1. Fuel inefficiency
2. Premature and uneven wear
3. Frequent flat tires
4. Compromised handling
5. Tire failure and blowouts

Fuel inefficiency

Low tire pressure leads to low fuel efficiency. When tire pressure is low, there is more of the tire’s surface on the road, causing more drag, which requires more power from the car to mobilize itself.

There is a 2% loss in gas mileage for every 5 pounds per square inch (psi) a tire is underinflated. Your fleet vehicles’ fuel economy relies heavily on proper air pressure in the tires.

While a misconception may be that low tire pressure decreases acceleration, low tire pressure can actually increase acceleration; however, low pressure can lead to faster degradation of the tires, among other risks mentioned in this article.

Premature and uneven wear

When tires have low air pressure, more surface touches the road and leads to premature and uneven wear and tear. The extra contact with the road causes heavy wear on both the inner and outer shoulders of the tire, which leads to worn-down tread and poor tire traction. Premature and uneven tire wear means more frequent tire maintenance, repairs, and replacements.

Frequent flat tires

Low tire pressure puts more weight and force on your vehicle’s tires which causes the tread to shorten in less time than usual. Short tire tread can lead to flat tires which are a huge safety concern while driving on the road. When tires are kept at their optimal air pressure, the tread will stay intact for longer and lower the risk of a risky or inconvenient flat tire.

Compromised vehicle handling

When a tire is underinflated, its sidewalls flex more than they are designed to while handling—specifically when braking, cornering, and steering. Low tire pressure increases braking distance length and slows down response time to steering.

This can be incredibly dangerous in an emergency situation when every fraction of a second counts and a vehicle’s response could mean life or death. For example, if your vehicle has underinflated tires, the risk of hydroplaning increases significantly at lower speeds than it would be with properly inflated tires.

Tire failure and blowouts

A tire blowout is the most dangerous risk associated with low tire pressure. With more of the tire’s surface touching the road and warming up the rubber, this can cause the tire to overheat and blowout.

Tire blowouts happen suddenly and cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. In many cases, leading to SUV rollovers or car accidents. Blowouts are more likely to occur at higher speeds which makes them extremely dangerous and life-threatening.

How to avoid low tire pressure

Avoiding low tire pressure takes consistent monitoring. You should check your fleet’s tire pressure once a month, as the temperature outside will impact the air pressure within the tires and cause it to change as the air temperature changes