What do you take with you on a long ride?

While packing the lightest gear possible is ideal, there are a few essentials that I bring with me when traveling longer distances. Whether it's a bicycle or a motorcycle, the idea is the same. At its core, it balances security, convenience and compactness. Here’s what I brought and how I put the various items together in a clever way.

Inflation/flat tire kit: This is probably the most important item to have with you. You don’t want to get stuck on the road with low pressure or a flat tire. My inflation/flat kit includes a smart tire inflator with a pressure gauge and a spare inner tube. A pressure gauge is important because you may need to measure your tire's psi while on the road and inflate it as needed. Today, there are few very smart compact tire inflators that are extremely feature-rich. They incorporate very powerful compressors, tire pressure gauges, and even flashlights. This review discusses the products that offer the best value for money.

What are the effects of incorrectly inflated tires?

If your car tires are not inflated properly, a variety of problems can occur. Additionally, we should define what it means for a tire to be “incorrectly inflated.” It can be one of two things. Inflation is lower than manufacturer's recommendations (under-inflation). Or there is too much air (overinflation). Each situation has its own negative consequences.

Adverse effects of overinflation:

· Unnecessary stiffness: When tires become stiffer, they are more susceptible to blowouts and punctures. This is because the tire has more pressure in contact with the surface.

· Shortened lifespan: Over-inflated tires are more likely to wear in the center area. This is called "center wear." This will shorten normal service life. This is because tires are now more susceptible to concrete erosion.

Adverse effects of under-inflation:

· Tread peeling off: Tires with insufficient tire pressure will peel off their tread more quickly and the tread will become flat. This results in a larger contact patch between the road and the tire than necessary.

· Braking hazard: Under-inflated tires have more contact with the road. This increases the likelihood of brake failure. Therefore, the probability of a collision is very high.

· Inefficient fuel efficiency: If your car’s tires are under-inflated, you’ll burn fuel faster. The car has to work harder to drive, resulting in more fuel being burned. This wastes money and damages the environment.