A large majority of automotive owners rely on the suggested PSI levels suggested on the side of the tires on their car. The danger with this practice is that the number listed is the maximum pressure allowed for the tire, not the suggested pressure. The other location of suggested PSI levels of tires is sometimes found on the inside of a vehicle’s door. The problem with this number is that it is rated for the tires that were sold with the car from the factory, not any replacement tires. The proper amount of air required for a tire depends on the size and type of the tire, the size and weight of the vehicle, the vehicle application, and driving conditions. Some industry experts claim that minimal over-inflation can reduce fuel costs by reducing roll resistance, but the tradeoff is a harsher ride and an increased chance of damage or danger when encountering bumps in a roadway.
The over-inflation of a tire can cause undue hardship on the tire itself as well as a heightened susceptibility to dangers in the roadways. Increasing the blowout risks is not the only danger caused though. There are also related hazards related to traction reduction, altered performance and handling characteristics. The risk of a blowout is increased significantly when you have an over-inflated tire. A study done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that tires that are over-inflated are found in almost double the car wrecks than those that were correctly inflated.[1] In a study done by the NHTSA in 1998, a reported 23,464 crashes reported blowouts. There were also a large percentage of fatalities reported with these wrecks.[2] Blowouts, whether caused by over-inflation or not, also have an increased link to rollover accidents.
Visually checking tire pressure is recommended but certainly not sufficient to ensure proper inflation. A tire gauge is a cheap, but useful tool to keep in your car. The owner’s manual or online resource for your car or tire manufacturer is also a wonderful tool. With so many online resources, there are numerous ways to ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers. Outside temperature has also been known to cause fluctuations in tire pressure as well. At a minimum, checking tires monthly and before long trips is recommended.
In litigation, driving with under or over-inflated tires can be used as evidence of negligence on behalf of the driver. Watts Guerra LLP has specialized in cases representing victims involving tire malfunction and failures.
Written by:
Lyndsey Mott
Approved by Francisco Guerra, IV
Watts Guerra LLP
4 Dominion Drive, Bldg 3, Suite 100
San Antonio, Texas 78257
Phone (210) 447-0500
© Watts Guerra LLP 2015
[1] Choi, E-H. (2012, April). Tire-Related Factors in the Pre-Crash Phase. (Report No. DOT HS 811 617). Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
[2] Tri-level Study of the Causes of Traffic Accidents: Executive Summary, Treat, J.R., Tumbas, N.S., McDonald, S.T., Shinar, D., Hume, R.D., Mayer, R.E., Stansifer, R.L., & Castellan, N.J. (1979). (Contract No. DOT HS 034-3-535). DOT HS 805 099. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, NHTSA.
