x
Breaking News
More () »

Yes, letting air out of your tire can help improve traction. But it should only be done in emergencies | Verify

A claim online says letting air out of your tires can help improve your car's traction. It can help, but it's not recommended.

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. 

⏯ Subscribe to WCNC Charlotte on YouTube to be notified of new Verify videos

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.

This is true.

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.

For the latest breaking VERIFY news, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.

"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."

RELATED: Ice accumulation is possible in the mountains and foothills Saturday morning

WCNC Charlotte's Verify series is all about trying to make a difference in the Carolinas by making sure the community has the correct information. WCNC Charlotte outlines concisely what we know and what we don't know. Sometimes the answer can be surprising. Watch previous stories where we verify social media claims in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.  

VERIFY is dedicated to helping the public distinguish between true and false information. The VERIFY team, with help from questions submitted by the audience, tracks the spread of stories or claims that need clarification or correction. Have something you want VERIFIED? Text us at 704-329-3600 or visit VERIFY.

Before You Leave, Check This Out