How might poor handling from under-inflated tires be characterized?

Under-inflated tires can significantly impair a vehicle's handling characteristics. When tires are not sufficiently inflated, the contact patch—the area of the tire that makes contact with the road—changes, leading to less precise steering responses. This can result in difficulty navigating curves because the tires may not grip the road as effectively. The sidewalls of under-inflated tires flex more than those of properly inflated tires, which can cause the vehicle to sway or feel unstable when cornering. This can compromise the driver's control and increase the risk of losing traction, especially in sharp turns or at higher speeds.

In contrast, improved road traction, quicker stopping distances, and a more comfortable ride do not typically result from under-inflated tires. Improved traction is generally associated with properly inflated tires that maintain optimal contact with the road surface, while stopping distances may increase rather than decrease with tires that lack adequate air pressure. As for ride comfort, while some might perceive a softer, more compliant ride due to the additional flex in under-inflated tires, this often comes at the cost of overall handling and stability.