It’s important to understand how to check tire pressure and when to do so because underinflated tires may wear out prematurely. According to KV Auto, improperly inflated tires can reduce gas mileage and have a negative effect on how well your car handles.
To check tire pressure, you need to start with cold tires if possible, check the manufacturer’s recommended psi, and write down the PSI for each tire…
Here are the details about how to check your tire pressure, from locating the tire pressure that your vehicle recommends to inflating the tires. Keep reading.
Before Starting
Search for a sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb to determine the correct inflation level for your tires. It shows the vehicle weight restriction as well as tire details, including the suggested tire pressure. The info is also found in the maintenance or car-care section of your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Not the recommended pressure for your car, the sidewall markings on your tires partially indicate the maximum tire pressure.
Don’t judge tire inflation simply by looking at it unless your tire is obviously flat; instead, use a tire pressure gauge to obtain the proper pounds per square inch (PSI) reading. Tire pressure gauges come in three different designs: internal slide, digital, and dial. A basic gauge costs $5, while ones with digital displays, air release buttons, and even talking gauges cost more than $30. All will function properly, but you might want to think about the environment in which you’ll be using your gauge. We’ve found that low-cost digital pressure gauges are very accurate and maintain the accuracy longer, but in extremely cold temperatures the gauge may not show up properly.
How to Check Tire Pressure?
Below are the specific details:
Start With Cold Tires If Possible
Vehicle manufacturers specify PSI – literally “pounds per square inch” of pressure – assuming tires are cold. Tires are regarded as cold if they have not been driven more than a mile (1.6 km) at a moderate speed or have been parked for three hours or more. Your pressure gauge reads in PSI, so that’s what it displays as pressure.
Check the Manufacturer’s Recommended PSI
Find the suggested cold tire PSI for your front and rear tires by consulting your owner’s manual or the driver’s side door jamb. Consult the vehicle’s manufacturer, dealer, or a certified tire expert if you are unable to locate it.
Write Down the PSI for Each Tire
If the pressure levels for your front and rear tires differ, make a note of the appropriate PSI for each to prevent confusion as you move around your car checking tire pressure.
Check Tire Pressure With Your Gauge
Remove the valve cap from one of your tires. After that, set the pressure gauge on the valve stem and apply sufficient pressure so that the gauge reads and the hissing sound stops. A small bar will emerge from the bottom of a standard gauge when air pressure is present. The bar has measurement units etched into it. The reading will be displayed on a screen by a digital gauge.
Repeat this process for each of the four tires, noting the reading.
Fill to the Recommended PSI
Any tires with low pressure should be inflated using an air compressor. Since many air compressors differ from one another, carefully read the instructions to make sure you’re using it properly.
To ensure that the hose can reach all four tires when using an air compressor at a gas station, park carefully. Till the motor starts to run, put change into the machine. By positioning the hose end over the valve stem and pulling the lever, you can fill each tire.
Using a gas station air compressor means your tires might be “hot.” If it is necessary to adjust inflation pressure when tires are “hot”, set their pressure to 4 psi (14 kPa) above the recommended cold inflation pressure. When the tires are cold, check the inflation pressure again.
Use the gauge to recheck tire pressure after filling them. Given that you can always let some air back out, it’s okay if you overinflated the tires at this point. Never operate a vehicle with overinflated tires. Increased pressure can lead to reduced traction, premature wear, and reduced impact absorption.
Repeat: Check Tire Pressure Monthly
Make the above procedure a monthly ritual. The best way to make sure your tires never fall significantly below the recommended PSI is to check your tire pressure on a regular basis.
How to Inflate Your Car’s Tires?
If your tires are lower than the manufacturer’s recommendations, follow these steps to inflate the tires:
- To be able to reach all four tires with the hose, park close enough to the air compressor.
- The valve caps should be taken off if they are still there.
- Put pressure on the valve stem with the hose nozzle. It might be automatic or you might have to pull a lever to get air. The tire should begin to inflate, and you should feel air moving through the hose.
- Either unhook the hose fitting or release the inflation lever. Utilizing your own tire gauge or the gauge on the hose, check the air pressure as previously mentioned.
- In order to inflate the tire to the proper psi, repeat steps 3 and 4 as necessary.
- For the other tires on the car, follow steps 3-5 again.
- Replace the valve caps after the tires have been properly inflated.
Tip: According to KV Auto, you should make sure the hose nozzle is securely attached to the tire valve stem if you hear or feel air escaping it as you attempt to fill the tire.
How to Release Air from Tires
Tires that are over-inflated can result in poor handling, so you should avoid having them. Tires with excessive air pressure are more likely to hydroplane and skid, according to The Family Handyman.
If your tires are reading more than the recommended psi, Cars.com recommends the following steps to release air:
- Put a small dot or bead on the back of the tire pressure gauge and quickly press it into the tire’s valve stem’s middle. The sound of air escaping from the tire should be audible.
- Tire pressure should be checked using the gauge.
- Follow these instructions again and again until the proper psi is reached.
Tip: According to KV Auto, release progressively less air as you get closer to the ideal psi.
FAQs
How Do You Check Tire Pressure at a Gas Station?
To check the air pressure in your tires, first, remove the valve stem caps on each tire.Then, push the end of the tire inflation equipment or tire gauge onto the tire’s valve stem, listening for a faint hiss as the air goes into it. The gauge should then display a number indicating the PSI that is in effect at that moment.
How Do I Know If I Need Air in My Tires?
If the tire gauge’s recorded reading is higher than the manufacturer-recommended rating, press the gauge tip on the valve stem until you hear air leak out. Repeatedly check the tire pressure. You must re-inflate the tire if the reading is below the recommended range.
Is There a Way to Check Tire Pressure Without Gauge?
All you have to do is push your thumb down on the tire to feel the pressure. The softness of underinflated tires. If your tires are overinflated, they will feel very stiff. If your tire is neither too soft nor too stiff as described above, your tire pressure is appropriate.
Can I Drive With Low Tire Pressure?
Is it Safe to Drive? If your tire pressure is only slightly low, you should be able to drive safely for a few more miles until you can add air. Extremely low tire pressure can cause tires to fail. A blowout could result from this, which is very risky.
Summary: How to Check Tire Pressure?
To check tire pressure, you need to start with cold tires if possible, check the manufacturer’s recommended psi, and write down the PSI for each tire…
If you have any questions, please leave a comment. KV Auto tries to give you the best car industry information. Thank you for reading.
