The amount of air that is "too much" in a tire depends on the tire's recommended pressure, which is usually specified by the vehicle manufacturer and can be found in the owner's manual, on a sticker inside the driver's door, or on the tire sidewall. Generally:
- You can safely overinflate tires by up to about 10% above the recommended PSI. For example, if the recommended pressure is 35 PSI, going up to around 38 PSI is acceptable
- Anything significantly above the recommended pressure or the tire's maximum inflation pressure is considered too much and is unsafe
Overinflating tires beyond these limits can cause several problems:
- Increased risk of tire blowouts, which can lead to loss of vehicle control and accidents
- Premature and uneven tire wear, especially excessive wear in the center tread due to the tire bulging out
- Decreased traction because only the center of the tire contacts the road, reducing grip and increasing stopping distances
- A rough and uncomfortable ride, as overinflated tires are less able to absorb bumps and shocks from the road
- Potential interference with vehicle safety systems like anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control
Tire pressure should always be checked when tires are cold, as temperature changes affect air pressure significantly
. In summary, "too much air" means exceeding the recommended tire pressure by more than about 10%, or surpassing the tire's maximum inflation rating. Staying within these limits ensures safety, tire longevity, and optimal vehicle performance
