Maintaining proper tire inflation is an important part of overall vehicle maintenance.
To begin, it helps prolong your tires’ lifetime, provides improved handling and boosts
gas mileage. The appropriate way to make sure your tires are correctly inflated is
to regularly check your tire pressure.
In this blog, we’ll explain where to find your vehicle’s recommended pressure, how
to check the pressure and how to safely inflate and deflate your tires.
Why does tire pressure matter?
Tire pressure carries out an essential part in your safety as well as the life of your tire. When you drive on underinflated tires, it’s more difficult for them to grip the road, which can produce slippage. Underinflating also increases the likelihood that a tire will blow out or lead to a puncture. You also don’t want to have your tires overinflated, as this
can lead to poor handling. One popular auto magazine says that overinflated tires
are also more prone to skidding and hydroplaning.
It’s also important to note that it’s particularly important to check the pressure in
the winter since tire pressure can decrease about 1 psi for every 10-degree drop
in temperature.
Remember, keeping your tires accurately inflated can also be a way to boost fuel efficiency as it allows your vehicle to operate more smoothly.
Recommended tire pressure
The recommended tire pressure changes depending on the type of vehicle and tire, but by and large, most passenger cars fall between 32 and 35 pounds per square inch (psi).
Normally, you’ll find your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure printed on a sticker located on the driver’s side door jamb. This label should specify tire pressures for
the front and rear tires. You might also check the owner’s manual for tire pressure specifications. It’s vital that you stick to these recommendations as they are explicitly intended to ensure proper inflation.
You might also notice the sidewall of your tires lists a psi reading. The numbers imprinted here represent the maximum tire pressure that the tire can handle, not
the recommended pressure for your specific vehicle. Always go by the vehicle guidelines for the correct tire pressure.
How to check tire pressure
You will need a tire pressure gauge, which you can purchase at most service stations
or auto parts stores. Edmunds says you should always check the pressure when the tires are cold, as the friction from driving causes them to heat up and influences the pressure. Check them first thing in the morning or, if you’ve just driven the vehicle, it’s recommended you wait several hours for the tires to cool down.
Once you have a tire gauge in hand, this is how to properly check the pressure:
- Remove the caps to your tires’ air valves (keep them in a safe place, like
your pocket). - Take the tire gauge, place it over the valve stem, and push into the stem until
you hear a hissing sound. - Check the tire pressure gauge reading against the recommended psi levels.
- If needed, use an air compressor to add some air until you reach the recommended psi level. (Most service stations and many car washes have
- air compressors on site.) You press the compressor hose nozzle down on the stem for about 10 seconds. You should see the tire inflating and feel air flowing through the hose. If you still hear a hissing sound while filling the tire, make
sure the nozzle is properly connected to the valve stem. - Remove the compressor hose nozzle and check the tire pressure again
using your gauge. - If the reading is above the recommended level, push down on the air valve
to release air. Check the pressure once again. Release more air if necessary.
If you release too much air, you can always add some air back. - Once you’ve reached the recommended level, screw the cap back into place.
- Repeat this procedure for each tire.
It should only take a few minutes to check the air pressure of your vehicle’s tires.
As soon as you restore tire pressure to the recommended levels, you’ll begin to experience the safety and savings that come with this routine maintenance.
Okay, let’s say you suspect that you might not have enough air in your tire(s) but you don’t have a gauge handy at the time. There are several methods to make a quick inspection.
- Thumb check: You can use your thumb to check the tire pressure. All
you have to do is push your thumb down on the tire to feel the pressure. Underinflated tires will be soft while you will discover your tire to be extremely
stiff if they are overinflated. - Hand pressure check: To check your tire pressure with your hand, push your palm down on the tire to feel the pressure. Low pressure tires are usually soft and cushiony, while overinflated tires are incredibly stiff.
- Eye observation check: To check your tire pressure with this method, you must first park your vehicle on a plane surface. After parking it, check the tires from both sides. What you are looking for is a bulge, a round swelling from any side
of the tire.
Caution: Don’t rely on any of these methods to accurately determine the tire pressure. Even if they appear or “feel” adequately inflated, they may still require more air. These three methods are simply to give you an indication before you can
check your tires with a gauge.
One question that is often encountered by auto mechanics is “Why do my tires
keep losing air?” Your tire may be losing air as a result of a puncture or damage
to the tire itself. A tiny nail, screw or sharp object could be triggering a slow leak. Another possibility is a defective valve stem, which can get worse over time and cause air leakage. Finally, it’s also possible that the tire bead, the space where the tire meets the rim, is not sealed as it should be, leading to loss of air. It’s advised you have your tires inspected by a professional to detect and fix the precise cause of the problem.
Concluding thoughts
Your tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle. They’re literally the
place where the rubber meets the road. Regular care and maintenance can be
essential to the safe, reliable performance of your vehicle.
