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Car owners often take the little things for granted. One example is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System, or TPMS, a safety system that warns of low tire pressure in any of the four tires on a vehicle. The TPMS is standard equipment on many vehicles and for good reason. Also, it is important to regularly check the tire pressure on your car. Underinflated tires not only cost money, but they can also be downright dangerous. Here's an important message from your Kia dealer about the dangers of underinflated tires. Why Shouldn’t You Drive with Low Tire Pressure? Blowouts Underinflated tires are one of the leading causes of blowouts. When a tire's air pressure drops below the tire's design specifications, it causes excessive flexing in the sidewalls when cornering and braking. This can cause the tire to overheat and lead to a catastrophic failure in which the tire suddenly loses all its air pressure. If this blowout happens while you're driving at high speeds, it can be very dangerous. more Poor Handling Most people are aware that underinflated tires can lead to a flat tire or even a blowout, but few realize the other dangers they pose. For example, driving on underinflated tires can hurt your car's handling and make it harder for your car to grip the road. This can lead to accidents, especially in wet or icy conditions. Driving on underinflated tires is also hard on your suspension. The extra flexing of the tires puts additional stress on your shocks and other suspension components. Over time, this can lead to expensive repairs or even failure of these vital parts. Poor Mileage Another danger of driving on underinflated tires is that it can reduce fuel economy by as much as three percent. When a tire is not properly inflated, it has more rolling resistance, which means the engine has to work harder to move the vehicle. Besides reducing fuel economy and increasing unwanted emissions, it also puts additional strain on the engine, which can lead to mechanical problems. Reduced Tire Life Finally, another danger of driving with underinflated tires is reduced tire life. When a tire's pressure is low, the tire's footprint is distorted. This means that the rubber that contacts the road is not contacting it evenly, which causes increased wear on both the inner and outer shoulders of the tire. In addition to being dangerous, it's also costly. Over time, the distorted footprint will shorten the tire's life expectancy and you'll have to replace it prematurely. Notice Low Tire Pressure in Temple Hills, MD? Contact Us Today! The best way for avoiding problems caused by underinflated tires is to check your tire pressure regularly, keep your tires properly inflated, and respond in a timely way if your car's Tire Pressure Monitoring System indicates a problem. Remember, we're always here to help with any service or maintenance issue. And if you're in the market for a new car, visit DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills today and let us help find the perfect vehicle for you and your family!