How does tire pressure influence handling and braking in EVOC operations?

• A. Overinflation always improves braking and cornering.
• B. Tire pressure has no effect on handling.
• C. Incorrect pressure reduces contact patch, increases wear, and degrades braking and steering performance.
• D. Lower pressure only affects ride comfort but not braking.

Answer: (C)

Tire pressure determines how the tire deforms and how much rubber is actually in contact with the road. When pressure is too high, the contact patch becomes smaller and stiffer, lowering grip and making braking less effective while steering feel becomes less precise in corners. When pressure is too low, the patch can be larger and the tire walls flex more, which can cause uneven wear and heat buildup, also degrading braking response and steering control. In either case, non-recommended pressure leads to less predictable handling and longer stopping distances—exactly what EVOC operators need to avoid. So keeping tires at the prescribed pressure helps maintain the proper contact patch, even wear, and reliable braking and steering performance.