Myth: Underinflating Tires Creates a Smoother Ride
Some people purposefully let a little air out of their tires, thinking the “softer” rubber will act like extra suspension and soak up bumps. While the ride might feel a tiny bit less jarring, you are causing serious damage to the tire. Underinflated tires have more “sidewall flex,” which generates an incredible amount of heat. Heat is the number one enemy of rubber and is the leading cause of highway blowouts.
Furthermore, soft tires have higher rolling resistance, which kills your fuel economy and makes your steering feel sluggish. It also causes the edges of the tread to wear out prematurely. For the sake of your safety and your wallet, you should always stick to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI found on the door jamb sticker.
