Effects of Low Tire Pressure & How to Avoid Them

Know the dangers of operating your fleet on low PSI levels and explore top solutions to avoid low tire pressure.

A tire can lose 1 to 2 PSI for every 10° drop in outside temperature. This might sound like a tiny change. However, even a few PSI makes a big difference when it comes to commercial vehicles. Low tire pressure happens often. Surprisingly, it is often an underrated and overlooked issue. This typically has significant repercussions for fleet-based businesses. Keeping an optimum tire pressure level can be challenging for fleet managers. This is because it impacts influences fuel efficiency, vehicle performance, and vehicle safety.

Before we start, let’s quickly know what questions should pop into your mind-

• Does low tire pressure typically impact vehicle safety?
• For how long can a business operate with low tire pressure?
• What is the optimum PSI air level that should be maintained?

With this, let’s unfold the crucial impacts of low tire pressure on day-to-day fleet operations and some practical tips to address and prevent it.

What is Low Tire Pressure?

Low tire pressure is when air pressure falls below a level that manufacturers approve. Tires lose air over time. This is the main reason pressure runs low. Keeping it in the right range matters more than most people realize. It affects how safely your car handles, how much gas you burn, and how long your tires actually last. Pressures below 20 PSI is generally considered ‘flat’ and dangerous to drive on.

Consistent low tire pressure increases the risk of blowouts. It further increases the chances of the following safety risks:

• Uneven vehicle wear and tear
• Increased braking distance
• Compromised fuel efficiency
• Poor cornering performance
• Risks of loss of vehicle control

Here’s an example. The most famous case is that of Firestone Wilderness and Atx tires mounted on Ford Explorer SUVs. 26 PSI was recommended by Ford. However, Firestone argued that it should have been 30 PSI. This, along with design weakness, led to 100s of deaths, rollovers, and separations.

How Do You Know Your Tire Pressure is Low?

Vehicle pulling and heavy steering are usually the top signs. However, low tire pressure is never obvious at first. See how to detect it.

1. Dashboard Indicators

• TPMS Light: A tire pressure monitoring system warning light appears on the dashboard. This indicates low pressure in tires below the system’s configured level.
• Pressure Alerts: Some connected fleet systems can send alerts when tire pressure falls outside the defined threshold.

2. On-Road Performance

• Vehicle Pulling: The car may pull or drift slightly on one side. This is common when the tire pressure is uneven.
• Heavy Steering: The steering might feel heavier than usual. It is common during maneuvering or taking turns.
• Reduced Handling: The vehicle may feel less responsive or stable. This will particularly happen during braking, acceleration, or cornering.

3. Other Factors

• Low Fuel Efficiency: The truck might be consuming more fuel. This happens when the tire is underinflated. It also usually increases rolling resistance.
• Tire Looks Low: The sidewalls can be visibly more compressed. The wheel can overall be bent or ruined altogether.

What are the Causes of Low Tire Pressure?

Top factors like natural air loss, punctures, and faulty valve systems cause low tire pressure. Understand in detail.

1. Common Causes

• Slow Air Leakages: When tires naturally lose air over time.
• Punctures/Damages: Damaged valves, screws, and nails.
• Faulty Valve Systems: Damaged valve stems that allow air escape.
• Poor Inflation: Tires may not be inflated to the ideal PSI level.

2. Summer

• Extreme Heat: Air expands in hot weather which increases tire pressure.
• Long Driving: Extended driving generates additional heat which requires proper inflation.

3. Winter

• Cold Temperature: As temperature falls, tire pressure typically drops.
• Cold Weather Leaks: Valve issues and minor leaks are common with temperature drops.

What are the Effects of Low Tire Pressure?

The core effects of low tire pressure are decreased fuel efficiency, poor handling, and increased tire wear. See the full list below with details.

1. Decreased Fuel Efficiency

Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance. This means the engine must work harder to move or tread the vehicle. It leads to higher fuel consumption and reduces fuel efficiency. Research says fuel economy can decrease by 3% due to just a 20% reduction in tire pressure. Altogether, this significantly strains the engine and vehicle’s components.

2. Poor Handling and Stability

Underinflated tires affect the vehicle’s handling. As a result, the fleet driver will find it difficult to steer or manage the vehicle. This, at times, causes drivers to lose control. This is particularly dangerous when the fleet is operated over wet or slippery terrains.

3. Increased Tire Wear

Frequent replacement of tires results in extra expenses on a large scale. Low pressure in tires can cause uneven and accelerated tire wear. These are particularly common on the edges of the tire tread. It ultimately reduces the lifespan of the tire.

4. Higher Risks of Tire Blowouts

Tires start generating more heat due to increased friction with the road surface when they have low air. This excessive heat ends up weakening the structure of the tire. This results in higher chances of blowouts, especially at high speeds.

 5. Increased Risk of Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is when the vehicle’s tires lose contact with the surface of the road. This happens due to water build up inside the tires. Low tire pressure can cause the tire to sit flatter on the road. This reduces the tread’s ability to channel water away, which leads to loss of control.

What are the Top 5 Ways to Prevent Low Tire Pressure?

The top ways to prevent low tire pressure are regular checks, TMPS software, and avoiding overload. Read in detail below.

1. Regularly Check Tire Pressure

The first step to avoid low tire pressure is to measure and maintain regularly. Studies have found that 75% of tire defects are due to lack of maintenance in fatal accidents. Avoid PSI levels dropping below 20. Consider a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure of all the tires. This should be done at least once a month. Additionally, ensure the tire pressure level is as per the manufacturer’s recommended levels. This is vital to improve safety and fuel efficiency.

2. Use Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)

Invest in a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). A reliable one is one of the most effective ways to monitor your tire pressure level continuously. The sensors in the system provide real-time information. They also notify/ alert when the air levels drop below the safe level. TPMS helps detect low tire pressure early. This allows you to address the issue before it leads to poor fuel economy.

3. Inspect Tires for Damage Regularly

Regular inspections play a critical role in eliminating low tire pressure. It prevents the ones caused due to leaks or punctures. If such scenarios, look for signs of wear like cracks, bulges, or embedded objects. These could cause a slow air leak. Inspecting and addressing these minor issues early can prevent more significant problems. Fleet operators can further avoid unexpected low tire pressure. Ultimately, there are fewer risks of safety compromise on the road.

4. Maintain Proper Alignment and Balance

Proper alignment and wheel balance are important for uniform tire pressure. Otherwise, it causes uneven tire wear. Regular alignment and balancing checks help ensure tires wear evenly and maintain their pressure. These are particularly necessary after hitting brakers and potholes.

5. Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle

Overloading a delivery vehicle’s heavy goods and consignment causes excessive strain on tires. This leads to a faster loss of air pressure. Every vehicle has a limit to carrying a maximum load capacity. For example, commercial trucks’ load capacity is 16 to 49 tons. The manufacturer mostly pre-specifies the limit. Carrying goods within the suggested limit helps maintain proper tire pressure. Fleet managers can thus ensure better handling and stability.

What to Do When Your Low Tire Pressure Light Turns On

Check and inflate tire while resetting the TMPS. Try not to ignore this warning. Else, it may lead to low fuel efficiency, poor handling, and even tire failure. Here’s what you should do:

• Check Tire Pressure: First, find the recommended pressure. This is usually listed on a sticker inside the driver’s side door or in the vehicle’s user manual. Use a tire pressure gauge to measure the air pressure.
• Inflate It as per the Requirement: Now that you know the recommended air pressure level, add air to the tires if under-inflated. However, avoid overinflation as it can also cause problems.
• Check For Leaks: Look for signs of a puncture in case of leaks. There could be a nail, screw, or small rock chips stuck in the tire.
• Reset the TPMS : This varies from vehicle to vehicle. To reset the TPMS, drive your car for a short distance. This allows the system to be recalibrated. The correct tire pressure is also detected. If the issue persists, turn on/off the ignition.
• Monitor the Tire Pressure Lights : Now if the light turns on again, re-check the tire pressure. If the issue persists, visit a tire service store for a thorough inspection.

Conclusion

Low tire pressure seems like a minor maintenance issue. However, the impact can extend to safety and fuel efficiency. The entire fleet performance can be impacted too. Regular pressure checks can prevent such unnecessary issues. Using tire management software like TrackoBit is a comprehensive approach to improve fleet performance, safety, and fuel economy

For fleet managers, staying on top of vehicle monitoring should not be complicated. It is one of the most straightforward ways to keep a fleet running safely. A few proactive minutes checking today can go a long way toward avoiding costly downtime.

FAQs on Low Tyre Pressure

• What can be considered low tire pressure?

  Tires run on low pressure when they dip below whatever PSI the manufacturer recommends. Managers can find the number on a sticker inside the driver’s door or tucked away in the owner’s manual.  A good rule of thumb: once you’re down 5 PSI or more from that number, it’s time to address the pressure. 

• What are the top causes of low tire pressure?

  The common causes are punctures, leaks in the valve system, and temperature changes. It could also be simply not checking and refilling tires often. Cold weather can cause tire pressure to drop. A slow puncture or a defective valve can further lead to gradual air loss. 

• What are the core dangers of low tire pressure

  Poor fuel efficiency is the top danger of low tire pressure. Other consequences are uneven tire wear, reduced vehicle handling, and higher blowout risks. It also affects braking distance. This can be dangerous, especially during emergencies.

• Does low tire pressure affect fuel efficiency?

  Yes, low tire pressure increases rolling resistance. It means the engine has to work harder to move the vehicle. This ultimately reduces fuel efficiency to an extent. A properly inflated tire can improve gas mileage by up to 3%. 

• Can driving at high speeds or long distances trigger a false low tire pressure warning?

  Yes, high-speed or long-distance driving can temporarily increase tire temperatures. This ultimately impacts pressure. However, it typically does not trigger a genuine low-pressure warning. A warning may indicate an existing pressure issue or a TPMS sensor problem. The best approach is to check the tire pressure when the tires are cold. 

• How long do TPMS sensors last before they need replacing?

  TPMS sensors last 5–10 years. This depends on usage and sensor quality. Their batteries eventually run out. The sensors usually need replacement after that.