So, you got distracted while you were filling up your tires and accidentally added way too much air. Or, perhaps a friend told you that overinflated tires could improve your gas mileage. The truth is, whatever the reason for it, driving on overinflated tires can be damaging for your car and dangerous for you. Here’s what happens when you put too much air in your tires, and what you can do to restore proper tire inflation. The fix is quick and easy!
What’s the harm in overinflating your tires?
Compromised Safety
There are a variety of issues that can occur if you drive on overinflated tires. Most seriously, overinflated tires are at greater risk for a blowout. A tire blowout can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and negatively affect braking distance, endangering yourself and others on the road.
Additionally, many of the safety features on your vehicle, like your anti-lock braking system, are designed to work when tires are filled to the vehicle manufacturer recommendations. Overinflated tires could compromise some of your car’s driver assistance functions.
Tire Damage and Wear
Overinflating your tires can make them more vulnerable to damage. Like an overfilled balloon, tires filled to their maximum capacity are more stiff and inflexible, which makes them more susceptible to damage from potholes, curbs, or debris. Plus, as a driver or passenger, you’ll feel every bump and dip in the road, and that doesn’t make for a pleasant ride.
Excessive air pressure can also distort the shape of the tire, leading to decreased traction and increased wear and tear down the center of the tire. Depending on the circ*mstances, repeatedly overinflated tires could wear out more quickly.
A tire bulges in the center of the tread when you overinflate it. The only part of the tire touching the road is a small, skinny patch down the middle. In theory, "this should mean less rolling resistance and increased mileage," notes Popular Mechanics. But in reality? It means center tread wear, an uncomfortable ride, and increased risk for a blowout.
Note that a few PSI over your recommended tire pressure generally won't put you in the danger zone. After all, tire pressure fluctuates with the outside temperature. Your goal is to stay at your car manufacturer’s suggested cold tire pressure.
How do you fix overinflated tires?
Alright, so what happens when you figure out you’ve overinflated your tires? Don't worry—fixing this air pressure problem is a breeze. To get the most accurate tire pressure reading and inflation, follow these steps when your tires are "cold," either in the morning or after the car has been sitting for a few hours. Topping off warm tires may result in over-inflation. Likewise, checking the inflation pressure when the tires are warm may incorrectly suggest the tires are already over-inflated.
Locate the valve stem on your tire. Twist off the cap, and you’ll expose a metal pin. If you look at the back of the air pressure tool there is a small nipple that is for releasing air pressure. Use this, or a similar tool, to press down on the pin firmly. This will release air from the tire. As you release air, intermittently check your tire pressure until you’ve hit the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch). Keep in mind that it’s important to regularly check your tire pressure, as tires lose pressure from daily use. Don’t forget to check your spare tire, too!
Many vehicles have tire-pressure monitoring systems, which will alert you with a TPMS dashboard light when significant underinflation occurs. However, the dash icon only lights up when tire pressure drops 25% or more below the manufacturer's recommended level.
What is your recommended tire pressure?
There are a few places you can find your recommended tire pressure:
- In your vehicle owner’s manual
- On a label posted on the driver’s side door, glove box, or fuel door
- Online, using our tire pressure tool
The recommended tire pressure is the optimal pressure for tires on your specific vehicle. It's calculated by the manufacturer using the total weight and size of your vehicle, its towing and payload capacity, and recommended tire size. Sticking to this number can help you get the best performance from your tires and extend tire lifespan.
Don’t underestimate the importance of proper tire inflation. Keeping your tires at the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure is key to keeping you safe on the road and getting your money’s worth out of your tires.
Remember, no job is too small for us! Visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care for a free tire pressure check, we’ll help you inflate (or deflate!) your tires.
FAQs
An overinflated tire lacks flexibility. Hit a pothole or a sharp object, and instead of the tire absorbing the impact, the force can be transferred to the wheel. It may cause dents or even cracks in the wheels, leading to expensive replacements.
Is it OK to slightly overfill tires? ›
No, your tire isn't going to explode if you add a little more than the recommended amount of air. But you shouldn't go too much over recommended PSI. You can safely over-inflate tires by up to 10%. For example, if your tires have a recommended PSI of 35, you can go up to around 38 PSI without worry.
How much can a tire be safely over inflated? ›
For instance, if 35 psi is recommended, and the maximum safe pressure listed on your sidewall is 44 psi, you can safely put 38 or 40 psi in your tires. You can even go to 44 psi. You'll experience a harder ride, but you won't create a blowout danger. You may even experience sharper cornering and increased fuel economy.
Is 40 psi too high for tire pressure? ›
In conclusion, tire pressure is an important factor in keeping your vehicle safe and performing optimally. The recommended tire pressure for most vehicles is between 30-35 PSI (pounds per square inch). A tire with a higher PSI rating such as 40 can have both benefits and risks depending on the driving conditions.
Is it bad to fill tires to max psi? ›
Your tire life decreases at max pressure
When your tires are overinflated, the rubber rounds out at the top of the tire when you're driving, and the centre will quickly wear out. You'll also reduce your traction and you could even cause a blowout.
Is it better for tires to be over or under inflated? ›
Overinflated tires have less contact with the surface, causing them to bounce around, especially on uneven roads. Underinflated tires, on the other hand, flex more than they should. This can reduce your car's responsiveness, making it more challenging to steer or brake quickly in emergencies.
Is it bad to have a little too much air in your tires? ›
Overinflation can cause loss of traction. Even in normal driving conditions, you are more susceptible to losing traction, spinning out or crashing. Therefore, it is even more noticeable if your tires are overinflated in winter weather. Overinflation creates a harsher ride.
Can overinflated tires burst? ›
Much like an overinflated balloon, tires with too much pressure can pop. While overinflated tires are more likely to create flats, they can cause complete blowouts if put under enough stress.
What to do if I overinflated my tire? ›
Locate the valve stem on your tire. Twist off the cap, and you'll expose a metal pin. If you look at the back of the air pressure tool there is a small nipple that is for releasing air pressure. Use this, or a similar tool, to press down on the pin firmly.
What's the highest your tire pressure can be? ›
In most of these cases, 40 psi should be more than enough, and since most modern tire designs will allow up to 44 psi (in some cases more) this is not a problem. If you have a heavily loaded vehicle, up to 44 or even higher is ok if the tire allows it, but this is a little high for most vehicles.
This helps to prevent flat spotting which can happen in any tire when a car that sits in one place for a long time, like on a transporter or in a storage lot. The tire develops a flat spot where it contacts the ground and will create a thump-thump sound as you then drive it.
What is the 4 psi rule on tires? ›
Ideally, your tyre pressure should be about 4 PSI above the cold pressure. If they are not, adjust the pressure accordingly. If the pressure is more than 4 PSI above the cold pressure, you should add more air. That is because there is too much friction, which builds up more heat than desirable.
What is the best tire pressure for smooth ride? ›
Most passenger cars' psi requirement will be between 30 to 35 psi, but several vehicles fall outside of that range and every vehicle will have specific requirements. Good tire air pressure ensures that tires wear evenly, provide a smooth ride, and increase fuel efficiency.
Is it OK to add extra PSI to tires? ›
Overinflating tires makes them more stiff and inflexible. When you encounter anything on the road, like potholes, curbs, or debris, you have a higher chance of getting tire damage because of it. They'll also make your vehicle's ride much more uncomfortable – you're sure to feel every bump in the road.
Will it ruin tires if you inflate them to 40 PSI instead of 35 PSI when the recommended PSI is 35? ›
It isn't advisable to fill your tire to this pressure for everyday driving. At max PSI, your car does not handle as well, braking is impaired, and you could risk dangerous blowouts. Over-inflation can also cause the center of your tire's tread to wear out prematurely and reduce the lifespan of your tires.
What should your tire pressure be in the summer? ›
In general, the best tire pressure for summer driving is between 30 and 35 psi. However, if you live in an area with extreme temperatures, you may need to adjust your tire pressure accordingly, by slightly lowering your PSI to account for the heat-related air expansion inside your tires.
Is 35 tire pressure too high? ›
Ideal Tire Pressure
Tire pressure between 32 to 35 PSI is most suitable for most vehicles. However, one can go as low as 20 PSI (although that is not recommended). Anything below 20 PSI is considered a flat tire. PSI stands for Pounds per Square Inch.
How much can you overload tires? ›
Using the Tire Load Index Chart
In other words, it's the amount of weight your tire can support safely. For example, if a tire has a load index of 92, it can support 1,389 pounds at maximum air pressure. Multiply that by four tires (4 x 1,389 = 5,556 pounds) to get your car's maximum load carrying capacity.
Is it okay to put slightly bigger tires? ›
Generally, you don't want to go with tires that have a diameter that is more than 3% different from the factory tires. It's also a good idea to consult with a trusted mechanic before switching to larger or smaller tires.
How do you know if your tires are too inflated? ›
All you have to do is push your thumb down on the tire to feel the pressure. Underinflated tires will be soft. You will find your tires to be extremely stiff if they are overinflated. The tire pressure is proper if your tire is not too soft or too stiff as mentioned above.
Excessive air pressure can also distort the shape of the tire, leading to decreased traction and increased wear and tear down the center of the tire. Depending on the circ*mstances, repeatedly overinflated tires could wear out more quickly.
