Road safety is a top priority for every driver, and tire pressure plays a bigger role than you might think. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), underinflated tires are a leading cause of tire-related accidents. When tires don’t have enough pressure, their contact patch with the road increases, leading to overheating and a higher risk of blowouts.
Blowouts can happen suddenly, especially at high speeds, and they often result in loss of control. Proper tire pressure distributes the vehicle’s weight evenly across the tire, reducing heat buildup. It also improves handling—overinflated tires have a smaller contact patch, making it harder to grip the road, while underinflated tires feel sluggish and unresponsive.
Tire pressure also affects your ability to stop quickly. A study by the Rubber Manufacturers Association found that underinflated tires can increase stopping distance by up to 20 feet on wet roads. That extra distance could be the difference between avoiding an accident and colliding with another vehicle.
To keep yourself safe, check your tire pressure at least once a month, and before long road trips. If your vehicle has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), pay attention to the warning light—it means one or more of your tires is significantly underinflated. Don’t ignore it—stop and check your tires as soon as it’s safe to do so.
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