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Edmonton Tire Safety Tips | Waterloo Ford

Posted on July 24, 2025

 

Tire Pressure: The Overlooked Hero of Road Safety in Edmonton

 

Let’s face it—tire pressure isn’t the most exciting part of vehicle ownership. But when it comes to road safety in Edmonton, it’s one of the most impactful things you can manage. At Waterloo Ford, we see too many tire-related issues that could’ve been prevented with a quick monthly check. With Alberta’s changing seasons and city traffic, tire pressure plays a bigger role than most drivers realize.

 

Why You Should Care About Tire Pressure

 

Every tire on your vehicle is designed to perform best at a specific pressure range. When that pressure is off—even by a few PSI—it can throw everything out of balance. Handling, braking, tire wear, and even gas mileage take a hit.

 

Whether you're merging onto the Whitemud or navigating downtown traffic, incorrect pressure makes your vehicle less responsive and more vulnerable to damage.

 

What Happens If Tire Pressure Is Too Low or Too High?

 

Here’s a quick breakdown of what improper inflation does to your tires:

 

• Too low: Increases rolling resistance, burns more fuel, and heats up tires—raising the chance of a blowout
• Too high: Decreases grip, causes bouncy handling, and leads to uneven tread wear
• Just right: Ensures consistent performance, fuel efficiency, and longer tire life

 

Over time, even properly installed tires naturally lose pressure. A slow leak or seasonal change can tip the balance—so regular checks are a must.

 

Cold Mornings? Expect Pressure Drops

 

Living in Edmonton means dealing with dramatic weather changes, especially in winter. When temperatures dip, tire pressure drops with it—about 1 PSI for every 10°C decrease. That means your tires could be dangerously underinflated during a cold snap without you even noticing.

 

Even summer heat can affect your pressure, making regular monitoring a year-round necessity.

 

How to Check Tire Pressure Properly

 

If you're doing it yourself, use a digital or manual tire gauge when your tires are cold (ideally first thing in the morning). Find your vehicle’s recommended PSI on the driver’s door sticker—not on the tire sidewall, which shows the max pressure.

 

If you’re not confident doing it solo, our Waterloo Ford service team is always ready to help. We’ll check your pressure and adjust it for free with any service visit.

 

Does the TPMS Catch Everything?

 

Most Ford models come with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which alerts you if a tire falls below 75% of its recommended pressure. It’s helpful—but not foolproof. The system may not alert you to minor drops that still affect performance, or alert you until the pressure is already quite low.

 

Think of it as a backup, not your only line of defense.

 

Tire Pressure Impacts More Than You Think

 

• 📉 Poor fuel economy from underinflated tires can cost you at the pump
• 🧭 Uneven wear means more frequent tire replacements
• 🛑 Slower stopping times increase accident risk

 

When pressure is off, so is your entire driving experience. Stay ahead of problems and enjoy smoother, more reliable driving through every season in Edmonton.

 

Need Help? Waterloo Ford Has Your Back

 

Not sure if your tire pressure is where it should be? Swing by Waterloo Ford in downtown Edmonton. We offer quick checks and full tire services—whether you’re in for an oil change or just dropping by on your lunch break.

 

Schedule an appointment or visit our service lane today. Your tires—and your peace of mind—will thank you.