What is the most important part of your vehicle? Well, we
admittedly can’t say that one particular part is absolutely the most important,
but we can say that your car’s tires
definitely belong near the top of the list.
Naturally, this means that properly caring for and maintaining
your tires must always be a priority. But unfortunately a number of wives tales
and myths about tire care could put you at a disadvantage if you don’t know
what advice to ignore rather than follow.
Fortunately, Popularmechanics.com is here to save the day with
an article about the 6 most common tire myths:
Tires are arguably the
most important component on your vehicle. They are, however, among the least
understood features. Allow me to list and pop a few common misconceptions about
tires.
1. The tire-pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) in my new car makes sure my tires are adequately
inflated.The truth: TPMS isn't required to issue a warning until pressure is 25
percent below the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation. That's "well below
the pressure required for safe driving," according to AAA and "barely
adequate to carry the vehicle's maximum load," says the Rubber
Manufacturers' Association. TPMS is intended as a last-minute warning before
imminent tire failure, not as a monitor to make sure your tires are properly
inflated.
Buy a quality tire gauge
and set your tire pressure to at least the vehicle manufacturer's
recommendation, which is found on the driver's door jamb. I'd rather you set
your tires 3 or even 5 psi high rather than 1 low. Tire-pressure gauges can be
inaccurate, and tires leak as much as 1 psi per month. Higher pressure improves
hydroplaning resistance and, if you're like many folks, you may not bother to
check your tires again for six months.
