Having the correct car tire pressure is extremely crucial in getting good gas mileage and the most out of the tires’ life. In fact, improperly-inflated tires might wear excessively, which is one of the reasons it’s vital to know how and when to check your tire pressure. So, how do you go about checking your car tire pressure and inflating tires? Here’s the ultimate guide to help you find the optimal pressure and enjoy your ride.
Key Takeaways:
- Your vehicle has a recommended tire pressure that’ll offer the best fuel mileage, handling, and tire life, and it’s written right on your car’s door.
- You’d be amazed how wrong tire pressure can be before it’s noticeable, be on the lookout.
- If the air pressure exceeds the recommended one, ensure that you deflate the tire.
Why Should You Check Your Tire Pressure and Inflate it?
Tire pressure is crucial in maintaining a safe, comfortable ride. Here are more benefits why you should check your car tire pressure and inflate it.
Tire Wear
Underinflated tires can cause premature wear from increased friction, while overinflation will give you a bouncy ride and an ill-handling car. Either way, not having your car tires inflated to their recommended pressure will adversely affect tire wear and car performance, and will definitely affect your maintenance routine when it comes to replacing them.
Safety
Tire pressure has a serious impact on how your car responds to the steering and braking input, which could pose a safety risk for you, your passengers, and your car as well. In fact, if you have overinflated tires, your vehicle might not have enough grip on the road, causing the car to slide and lose traction. Besides, overinflated tires have higher chances of experiencing blowouts from potholes and other road hazards.
Fuel Efficiency
One of the major risks of running on under or overinflated tires is that the issue isn’t typically severe enough to stop you from driving in the first place. However, even if it’s invisible, improperly inflated tires will cost you money and impact your car’s performance. Your gas mileage will suffer, causing you to pay more at the gas pump. That’s because the tires will cause more friction against the road, making it harder for your car to move forward and consuming more energy in the process.
What Should Your Car Tire Pressure Be?
On newer models, the recommended car tire pressure is most commonly listed on a sticker inside the driver’s door. But if there’s no sticker on the door, you can find the specs in the owner’s manual. Many passenger cars will recommend 32 psi (per square inch) to 35 psi in the tires when they’re cold. The reason you should check tire pressure when they’re cold is that tires roll along the road, and friction between them and the road generates heat, increasing both the temperature and air pressure. For the most accurate and consistent reading, ensure the car has been sitting overnight or at least has been parked for a few hours.
Essential Note: Don’t inflate the tires to the pressure listed on the tire itself. That’s the maximum pressure allowable, and not recommended pressure for the car.
How Do You Check Your Car Tire Pressure?
You’d be amazed how wrong tire pressure can be before it’s noticeable. That’s especially true for modern run-flat tires that can be completely devoid of air and appear perfectly fine due to their reinforced sidewall construction. Fortunately, you can check your car tire pressure effectively using a digital tire gauge.
You’ll need to locate the valve stem on every tire, including the spare one, loosen them (one at a time), then open the air valve, and use the pressure gauge to measure the pressure. If you don’t have a pressure gauge, you can borrow one from the local gas station. You should consider noting down the tire pressure as you move around measuring. Also, ensure that you replace the valve caps when you’re done so that air doesn’t leak out. Then, compare the tire pressure with the recommended pressure on the owner’s manual or door jamb sticker. If they have the right pressure, you can go ahead and enjoy your ride.
If not, use the following steps.
How Do You Inflate Your Tires?
There are two ways you can inflate your car tires:
- Use a Portable Compressor: You can buy a portable air compressor at your local auto supply store or nearest gas station that you can use at home. That’s a simple and convenient way of inflating your tires since the compressor will only take a few minutes per tire to get it up to the recommended pressure.
- Seek Help: You can head to your local gas station, auto mechanic, or dealership and ask them to top off your tires. While it might cost you about 50 cents, it’s an ideal option if you aren’t sure how to go about inflating your tires.
Regardless of the method you choose, it’s crucial to check the recommended tire pressure for your specific tires and ensure they’re inflated to that level.
How Do You Deflate Your Tires?
Sometimes, the air pressure exceeds the recommended car tire pressure. If that’s the case, you can deflate the pressure as follows:
- Find the air valve on the tire and unscrew the cap to access the air release valve. Based on your vehicle’s make and model, that might be located near the wheel of the car or on the inner side of the tire.
- Insert the air pressure gauge in the valve and let it sit in for a few seconds to measure the current air pressure in the tire. Compare that reading to the recommended tire pressure.
- If it’s higher, you can slowly and steadily release air from the tires until they reach the desired air pressure.
- Replace the air release valve caps on top of each tire and close the gas cap on the car.
Enjoy Your Car With the Right Car Tire Pressure
You can now enjoy your car fully without worrying about fuel economy, tire wear, and safety issues like blowouts and skids. Still have questions about car tire pressure? Consult our auto experts today!
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