Many motorists, whether they drive a passenger vehicle or large commercial truck, are baffled when it comes to tire pressure. For the everyday driver, refilling the tires usually only happens when they “look low” or a tire pressure light comes on inside the dash. For commercial or semi truck drivers, tire pressure is usually checked much more often to prevent accidents on the road.
Regardless of the type of vehicle being driven, though, drivers may experience a conundrum when filling their tires for the first time. You know that you’re supposed to have the tires reach a certain psi (pounds per square inch), but that value will differ for each vehicle.
Most vehicles will actually present drivers with two different values for their tire psi. One value will be located on the tire wall, while the other will be on a sticker inside the door of the vehicle and/or in the owner’s manual. When these two values don’t match, it can cause serious confusion and possibly even vehicle trouble for owners.
So what do you do? What’s the difference between these values? While it may not seem like a big deal, inflating your tires to the wrong level could be disastrous and increase your need for roadside assistance or mobile semi truck servicing in Flagstaff, AZ.
What each psi value indicates
There is, in fact, a difference between the two psi values you can find on your tire and vehicle, but distinguishing the two is relatively simple.
The psi value listed on the tire wall is the maximum pressure at which the tire will be able to safely support its maximum load rating. Thus, this pressure should be considered the tire’s maximum inflation limit.
The psi value listed on the vehicle’s sticker inside the door jamb or manual is the psi the manufacturer recommends in order to achieve the best fuel mileage and tire wear for that specific vehicle. Usually, this recommended psi is lower than the maximum psi shown on the tire wall.
Because all vehicles are different, weigh different amounts and carry their weight loads differently, vehicle manufacturers make sure to specify the tire psi that will operate best for the given car or truck.
Both values are safe to use with your vehicle. However, if you do choose to use the tire’s maximum inflation pressure, the tire may wear faster, your vehicle may handle differently and your gas mileage may not be as great. It’s typically recommended that you go with the manufacturer-recommended psi when inflating your tires, instead.
Why tire inflation is so important
It’s extremely important to inflate your tires to the recommended levels for optimal driving and safety. Failure to inflate your tires to the right amount can cause accidents while driving.
Over- or underinflating your tires can lead to flats, extra friction or blowouts, which can be inconvenient at best and dangerous for you and others at worst.
Visit Maclin Truck & Trailer for help with your tires
Maclin Truck & Trailer is a premier provider of roadside repair and maintenance for commercial tractor-trailers, large commercial trucks and RVs. If you run into a problem with your tires, whether they are flat or blow out during your drive, we proudly offer mobile semi truck servicing in Flagstaff, AZ. Call us today to learn more about our services!