A vehicle with tires that are over- or underinflated may be difficult to handle and may get poor gas mileage. The tires may wear out faster than usual or may wear unevenly. Checking your tire pressure regularly and adjusting it when necessary can prevent these problems.
Check the pressure in your car’s tires at least once a month. Take a reading when the tires are “cold” (i.e., when the car has been undriven for at least three hours or hasn’t been driven more than a mile) to get an accurate reading. You should also check the pressure before setting out on a long trip and after hitting a pothole or running over a sharp object. It’s better to use your own tire gauge than one at a gas station since a gauge left outdoors may be damaged and may provide inaccurate readings.
Remove the cap from a tire’s air valve and place a gauge on the valve stem. You may hear a hiss of air. Wait one or two seconds for the gauge to register a pressure reading.
Your car should have a sticker inside the driver’s door that specifies the appropriate tire pressure, expressed in pounds per square inch (PSI). You can also find that information in your owner’s manual.
Don’t go by the number stamped on the tires. That’s the maximum pressure allowed for that type of tire, not the recommended pressure for your specific vehicle.
If the reading is below the recommended pressure, you will have to add air to the tire. If you don’t own an air compressor, take your car to a gas station that has one.
A compressor has a hose with a nozzle that pumps air into tires. Remove the cap from the air valve on a tire and press the compressor nozzle to the valve. You may have to press a lever on the compressor to make the air start flowing. If air escapes from the nozzle, adjust it so it sits securely over the tire valve.
After a few seconds, remove the nozzle and take another pressure reading. Add more air if necessary until you reach the recommended pressure, then screw the valve cap back on.
If you accidentally add too much air, you’ll have to let some out. The tire gauge should have a small dot or bead on the back. Press it against the tire’s valve stem to release some air. Check the pressure and continue to adjust it until it reaches the appropriate level.
If you have a flat tire, or if your tires are worn out and need to be replaced, bring your car to Tire Country in Enfield, Connecticut. We offer tires made by several top manufacturers. We can help you choose ones that are appropriate for your vehicle, driving habits, and budget. Contact us today to learn more.
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