Final answer:
Unbalanced tires or low tire pressures can cause faster tire wear. Proper tire pressure and balance are essential for safe vehicle handling, longevity of the tires, and can positively influence fuel economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Unbalanced tires or low tire pressures can lead to faster tire wear rather than increased fuel economy or decreased stopping distance. When tire pressure is low, there are more frequent collisions of air molecules within the tire as per the Ideal Gas Law, leading to increased pressure especially when the car is driven.
Therefore, maintaining the correct tire pressure is crucial for optimal tire performance and longevity. Driving on unbalanced tires causes uneven tire wear, which can also compromise the handling and safety of a vehicle.
Regarding the option of increased fuel economy, it is generally understood that cars are becoming more fuel efficient over time, allowing them to get more miles per gallon. However, this efficiency is often unrelated to tire balance or pressure and is due to improvements in engine and vehicle design. Correct tire pressure and balance can lead to improved fuel economy but not to the extent that it would be classified as a significant increase on its own.
In icy conditions, tires designed for winter use generate more friction with the road compared to summer tires, which is an example where increased friction is desirable. This is analogous to the importance of maintaining proper tire pressure and balance to ensure safety, performance, and efficiency of a vehicle in varying driving conditions.