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Your vehicle’s tire pressure can fluctuate as the weather changes. The pressure can increase in hot weather and decrease when it’s cold outside. An accident, even a minor one, can also affect tire pressure. If your tires are over or under-inflated, they can wear unevenly and make it difficult to handle the vehicle.

When Should You Check Your Vehicle’s Tire Pressure?

It’s important to monitor your car’s tire pressure at least once a month, plus any time you run over an object or have another reason to suspect that a tire might be damaged or leaking. You should check the pressure when you haven’t driven the car for at least three hours because driving can heat up the tires and give you an inaccurate reading.

How Much Pressure Do Your Tires Need?

You can find the answer to this question in your owner’s manual or on a sticker located inside the driver’s door. Inflate the tires to that pressure, not the pressure noted on the side of the tires. That number is the maximum allowable pressure for those tires, not the recommended pressure for your specific type of vehicle.

How Do You Check and Adjust Your Tire Pressure?

Unscrew the valve on a tire and place a tire gauge on the open valve stem. You may hear a hiss of air. That’s normal. Compare the reading you get to the recommended pressure.

If the pressure is lower than it should be, you’ll have to add air to the tires. Park the car near an air compressor and place the nozzle on the valve stem. If necessary, press a button or lever to make the air start flowing. Remove the hose and check the pressure. Continue to add air, if necessary, until the tire reaches the recommended pressure.

If a tire is overinflated, you’ll need to release some air. To do that, look for a small dot or bead on the pressure gauge. Press it into the center of the valve stem. Let a little airflow out of the tire, then check the pressure again.

Continue adding or releasing air until the tire reaches the recommended pressure. Then screw the valve cap back on. Repeat this process with the remaining tires.

Where Should You Go If Your Car Needs New Tires?

If a tire keeps leaking air, bring your car to Tire Country in Enfield, Connecticut. We’ll check the tire and figure out if it can be repaired or if you should replace it. We sell tires made by several leading manufacturers. We can help you find one or more tires that fit your vehicle, your driving habits, and your budget. We can also help you with other common vehicle repairs and routine maintenance. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.