The most important factor in tire care is proper inflation. While you might pay little attention to your tire pressure, inflation is key to your tire’s load capacity, durability, traction and handling. Keep in mind, the air in your tires supports the weight of your vehicle, not the tires themselves.

Be sure to follow your vehicle manufacturers recommended inflation levels as opposed to filling to the maximum psi branded on your tires sidewall. Vehicle manufacturers determine inflation for optimal vehicle performance and ride quality. As little as over inflating or under inflating your tires by 6 psi can significantly alter your driving characteristics and comfort. The most effective and accurate way to measure tire pressure is with a tire gauge.

If your tires are wearing primarily in the center, they’re probably over inflated. Over inflation causes the center of the tread to bear most of the load, which forces it to wear out faster than the outside edges. A problem with over inflation is decreased tread area contact with the road, which means less traction and increased stopping distances.

Over inflated tires also deliver a very uncomfortable ride. The excess air causes a much harsher ride and increases the risk of popping your tires from potholes and other road hazards.

Surprisingly, over inflated tires do offer deliver some benefits. By decreasing tread road contact, you actually lower the rolling resistance, which increases fuel economy. Over inflated tires also offer slight improvements in steering response and cornering stability. As a result, over inflated tires are often used in autocross and road races. However, these benefits do not outweigh the risks associated with using over inflated tires in everyday driving situations.

If your tires are wearing only on the outside edges, they’re probably under inflated. Most tire problems are caused by under inflation. Because tire inflation determines a vehicle’s load capacity, under inflated tires can have a huge impact on how you drive.

By under inflating a tire, the tire can’t keep its shape under the load of the vehicle and will flatten out when in contact with the road. This causes the tire to excessively flex leading to irregular wear. Tire flexing limits handling as well as generates heat and reduces fuel efficiency because it forces your vehicle to work harder. With under inflated tires running hotter from the sidewall flexing, the risk of tire failure and blowouts is much greater.

One of the major risks associated with under inflation is losing control of your vehicle. When a tire is under inflated, it can’t carry its share of the load, which can limit traction, handling, alignment and braking. You should also be aware that tire life decreases 10 percent for every 10 percent it’s under inflated. So if you’re trying to get the most performance from your tires and automobile, maintaining the proper inflation is essential.