Guide to a Vehicles Tire Pressure
Ask anyone who knows anything about cars and good gas mileage and they’ll tell you one of the first things to do in order to get good gas mileage is to check the air pressure in your tires. Knowing how to check yourtire pressurecorrectly is a must. That said, it would go without saying that in order to make sure your tires are at the correct tire pressure you’d need to know how to properly use a tire pressure gauge.
The Gauge
You can get a tire pressure gauge at any auto parts store. It’s not expensive and it will fit right in your glove box so you’ll always know where to find it. You can get a digital air pressure gauge but there’s really no need for it. Sure, they’re easier to read, but the reading is no more accurate than the old fashion standard kinds. As long as the one you pick out isn’t the bottom-of-the-barrel dirt cheap you shouldn’t have any problems with inaccurate readings.
The Right Pressure
The first thing you’ll need to know is what the factory recommended pressure is for your tires. You can find this number imprinted right on the side of your tire. You should see something that reads along the lines of “recommended PSI” or “recommended tire pressure” with a number next to it. (PSI stands for Pound Per Square Inch which is what air pressure is measured in) This number is the maximum amount of air your tire should hold. Under inflating or over inflating your tires will result in poorer gas mileage and uneven wear on your tires.
Checking the Pressure
To get the most accurate air pressure reading, wait at least 2 hours after you’ve last driven your car. This will allow the tires to cool. Take the cap off of the valve stem on the tire. Put the air pressure gauge on the valve stem. Firmly press the gauge down onto the stem. If you are using a standard gauge the meter stick will blow out of the end of the gauge. This is the amount of pressure in the tire.
Adjusting Pressure
If there is too much air in the tire, simply use your finger nail and press down on the metal piece inside the top of the valve stem. This will release air. Continue to check the pressure until it is where it should be. If you need to put air into the tire fit the end of the air hose nozzle onto the valve stem and press down. Air will be released into the tire. Continue to check the pressure until it is where it is supposed to be. Replace the valve stem cap.
Your tire’s air pressure will fluctuate often so the pressure should be checked weekly, and maintained at the proper level.
All tires should have the same amount of pressure in them. This will give you the best gas mileage, and they will wear evenly with age.
Never over inflate your tires as there is a possibility the tire could blowout cause serious injury or worse.
You may also find the correct pressure for your tires in your operator manual or on the sticker located on the inside of the driver’s side door.
If you check your tire pressure at your local garage, use your own tire pressure gauge. The ones attached to the hoses on those air machines have been banged, dragged and throw around so often, the reading on them may not be accurate.
