If you check tire pressure on a regular basis it will help the tires last longer and keep you safer on the roads. You should do this at least once a month, and before long road trips. Here is everything you need to know to check tire pressure accurately.
Equipment and Information to Check Tire Pressure
Simple stick style gauge for checking tire pressure
Tire Gauge – Tire pressure checks can be done either at a local service station or in your driveway or garage with a standard air pressure gauge like the one shown. Digital gauges are equally accurate and easy to use. According to dmv.gov, the most accurate readings are done when tires are cold and haven’t been driven in a few hours.
Tire Placard on inside of driver’s side door post
Recommended PSI – You will also need to know the recommended air pressure for your specific vehicle and tire. This can be found on the placard on the inside of the driver’s side door post on most vehicles. Alternatively, you can find it in the vehicle owner’s manual.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Check Tire Pressure
Watch this video on how to check your tire pressure, and follow the step-by-step instructions that follow:
- Remove the cap from the valve stem. The valve stem is on the inside of the wheel itself, and the plastic cap can be twisted off by hand.
- Insert the tire pressure gauge into the valve stem. Press down firmly to stop air escaping.
- Check the reading on the gauge once you have a firm seal. Look for the scale in PSI, which stands for pounds per square inch.
- Compare the reading on the gauge to the recommended PSI on the vehicle placard.
- If the reading is above the recommendation, air needs to be released from the tire. Do this by lightly pushing in the center of the valve stem for a few seconds. Most gauges have a pin that allows you to depress the center stem. This allows air to escape and bring the PSI closer to the recommendation. You can bleed air out in 2 or 3 second increments, using the gauge each time to measure against the target PSI.
- If the tire pressure is below the recommendation, you will need to add air. If you are doing this at home, and do not have an air compressor, this is easily done at your nearest service station. Most tire stores will be happy to double check your tire pressure, and add air as needed at no charge.
- Replace the valve caps after you have adjusted the tire pressure. They protect the valve stem from dirt and road grime that can cause leaks.
While you are doing the tire pressure checks, it is a good idea to take a few extra seconds to also visually inspect each tire for excessive tread wear, foreign objects stuck in the tire tread, deep cuts or large bumps on the side of the tire. Any of these conditions could mean your tires need to be replaced soon.
Tire Pressure Gauges
Tire pressure gauges have come a long way in technology. You may prefer the old standard stick technology type or might want to look at one of the newer digital models.
Stick type – simple, no batteries, just put on valve and push and you get a pressure reading. The one downfall is in the dark you may find it hard to read the pressure
Digital – displays the pressure number, no guessing, typically lighted. They are a bit pricier than the stick type.
Dial Guage – Analog dial face with a needle showing the pressure. Some models may be harder to handle than the other types.
Nitrogen in tires
Should you consider Nitrogen in your tires? You may want to have your tires filled with Nitrogen.
Benefits:
- Improved fuel mileage
- Less tire wear
- Extended tire lifespan
Because Nitrogen is less likely to seep through your tire walls than oxygen, it provides a more constant tire pressure during changing weather. More stable tire pressure results in less tire wear, thus prolonging the life of the tire. Nitrogen filled tires can also lessen corrosion on steel or aluminum rims.
Tires-easy.com for Great Prices
If your tires are leaking air, are worn out, or need to be replaced for any other reason, Tires-easy.com has you covered. With the largest selection of new tires online, Tires-easy.com offers hundreds of tire brands, a wide range of prices, easy ordering, 45-day return policy, free road hazard and fast shipping. Call (855) 978-6789 or visit Tires-easy.com today.
