Final answer:
Proper tire inflation improves vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, and provides a smoother ride, with tire pressure specified for cold tires typically recommended by manufacturers.
Step-by-step explanation:
To increase vehicle safety and improve fuel efficiency, tires should be inflated with the proper amount of air. Proper tire inflation ensures a smoother ride, reduces tire wear, and can enhance gas mileage. When air is pumped into a tire, the tire volume initially increases with minimal pressure increase until the tire walls limit further expansion. As more air is added beyond this point, tire pressure increases. This pressure can further increase when the car is driven due to the rise in temperature from tire flexing. The recommended tire pressure is typically specified by manufacturers for cold tires, which is essential for maintaining optimal driving conditions and vehicle performance.
To increase vehicle safety and improve fuel efficiency, tires should be inflated with the proper amount of air. When air is pumped into a deflated tire, its volume first increases without much increase in pressure. Once the tire has expanded to nearly its full size, the walls limit volume expansion. If more air is pumped into the tire, the pressure increases. Overinflating the tire can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and a harsher ride, while underinflating the tire can cause poor handling, reduced traction, and increased wear.