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Tires: Correcting Underinflation and Overinflation

The Titan Tire Pressure Calculator is a free online tool that will calculate correct pressure based on tire model, application, load size and other factors. Credit: Goodyear Farm Tires

If a tire is underinflated or overinflated, the tread on the tire will wear rapidly and unevenly, particularly in the shoulder area. According to Titan Tires, maker of Goodyear farm tires, radial cracking will occur in the upper sidewall area.

With underinflated bias drive tires in high-torque applications, sidewall buckles will develop and lead to carcass breaks in the sidewall. While an underinflated drive tire may pull better in some soil conditions, generally this is not true and not worth the high risk of tire damage.

Overinflation, on the other hand, will result in an under-deflected tire carcass. The tread is more rounded, and wear is concentrated at the center. This reduces traction in high-torque service because both width and length of the ground contact area are reduced. The harder carcass — with reduced flexing characteristics — does not work as efficiently. Additionally, the tightly stretched overinflated carcass is more subject to weather checking and impact breaks.

To ensure correct tire inflation, users can input tire specifications in the Titan Tire Pressure Calculator. The free online tool will calculate correct pressure based on tire model, application, load size and other factors.

It's very important that the tire pressure be adjusted for the load size. The USDA National Soil Dynamics Laboratory has stated, "Inflation pressure should be set at the manufacturer's recommendation for the actual load on the tire, which actually is the minimum acceptable inflation pressure for that load. This will minimize soil stresses and compaction, and maximize efficiency. Don't overinflate your tires."

For more information on tire safety, see the Rubber Manufacturers Association tips and information.

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