CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A storm system will bring the potential for wintry weather to the Carolinas this weekend, including the threat of freezing rain and ice.
With many people traveling this weekend, it's important to keep in mind winterizing your car for safety. A WCNC Charlotte viewer sent VERIFY an email asking about something she saw online. The viewer said she wants to know if letting the air out of your tires can improve traction on slick roads.
THE QUESTION
Can letting air out of a tire improve the car's traction?
THE ANSWER
Yes, letting air out of your tires can improve traction in some situations. But it should only be done temporarily, during emergencies because prolonged driving on tires that are underinflated can damage them and put your safety at risk.
THE SOURCES
- Nationwide Mutual Insurance
- Harol Sarmiento, general manager at Satto Tires and Service
WHAT WE FOUND
According to Nationwide, an important part of maintaining a car is making sure your tire pressure is set to the manufacturer's recommendation, which can vary depending on what type of tires you have and the vehicle you drive.
In fact, your recommended tire pressure will be printed on a label inside the driver’s side door of your car.
“There is a sticker that shows what the air pressure of the tire should be for the manufacturer of the car," Sarmiento said.
But what if you release some of the air in your tires? Can that help maintain traction in snowy, slushy road conditions? Sarmiento says yes, however, you should only do this in emergencies.
"If you lower the pressure, then the traction will be improved a little bit, not a lot," Sarmiento said. "Because the contact of the tire the surface of the tire will contact more with the surface of the terrain."
He said this works best on rocky terrain.
"It is not recommended for asphalt roads or concrete roads because it will damage the shoulders or the side of the tires," Sarmiento said.
If you notice one of your car has poor traction, Sarmiento said it's best to just get new tires. But if you’re stuck in a bind and need a quick solution?
"If you're already in a situation and you don't have new tires, then yeah," Sarmiento said. "Lower a little bit, not too much. Maybe five pounds (per square inch) at the most."
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