Maintaining proper tire inflation is relatively simple and essential to the overall tire performance of your vehicle. A properly inflated tire will provide longer life, quicker steering response, better fuel efficiency and a smoother ride than an improperly inflated tire. Both underinflation and overinflation can cause headaches like premature treadwear and possible tire failure. The best way to ensure you're getting the most out of your tires is to check your tire pressure on a monthly basis. Knowing how to use a tire pressure gauge is very simple. Here’s how to check tire pressure and refill your tires. Items You Need When Checking Tire Pressure Your tire pressure gauge can be digital or standard. Auto parts stores typically carry both. Many auto parts stores sell portable air compressors that run from your car battery or 12v power port. Alternatively, you can use the air compressor found at most gas stations. They usually cost $0.50 or $1.00 to use. Vehicle manufacturers specify PSI – literally “pounds per square inch” of pressure – assuming tires are cold.

Tires are considered cold when the vehicle has been parked for three hours or more, or if the vehicle has been driven less than a mile (1.6 km) at moderate speed. PSI is the unit your pressure gauge uses to provide readings. Look on the driver’s side door jamb or your owner’s manual to find the recommended cold tire PSI for your front and rear tires.  If you cannot find it, you should consult your vehicle dealer, manufacturer, or a qualified tire professional. If your front and rear tires require different pressure levels, write down the correct PSI for each to avoid getting confused as you move around your vehicle checking tire pressure. Remove the valve cap from one of your tires. Then place the pressure gauge on the valve stem and press down hard enough so the hiss sound disappears and your gauge provides a reading. With a standard gauge, the air pressure will push a small bar out from the bottom of the gauge. Measurement units are etched into the bar. A digital gauge will show you the reading on a screen.

Write down the reading and repeat this process for all four tires. Use an air compressor to refill any tires with low pressure. Many air compressors are different, so read directions carefully to be sure you’re using it correctly. If you’re using the air compressor at a gas station, be sure to park so that the hose will reach all four tires. Insert change into the machine until you hear the motor running. Patio Furniture Sale CalgaryFill each tire by placing the end of the hose over the valve stem and pressing on the lever.Soft Tone Light Bulbs Using a gas station air compressor means your tires might be “hot.”  Where Can I Get Free Moving Boxes In IndianapolisIf it is necessary to adjust inflation pressure when tires are “hot”, set their pressure to 4 psi (14 kPa) above the recommended cold inflation pressure.

Recheck the inflation pressure when the tires are cold. After filling your tires, use the gauge to check pressure again. At this point, it’s ok if you overfilled the tires because you can always let some air back out. Never drive on overinflated tires. Overinflation can result in decreased traction, premature wear, and decreased impact absorption. Make the above procedure a monthly ritual. Regularly checking your tire pressure is the best way to ensure your tires never dip far below the optimal PSI. Accuracy matters and you should keep that in mind when choosing a gauge. For just a few dollars, you can find a quality, accurate tire pressure gauge that gives accurate readings. If you’re not sure which one to purchase, ask a professional technician which he or she prefers. A digital tire pressure gauge will provide accurate readings, but don’t forget that it operates on a battery. If you think having to replace the battery will prevent you from using it, it’s best to go with a standard gauge.

It’s best to use your personal tire gauge versus those available attached to air hoses at service stations. Of all the pressure gauges out there, they’re the most likely to be weathered, and possibly inaccurate.Tire pressure is very important, but many owners don’t give a second thought to their tires after they’re installed. By regularly following a few simple tire inflation tips, you won’t be caught off guard when your car’s tire pressure warning light comes on or you experience a blowout. Underinflated tires can cause a number of significant problems, including: According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),”there was an issue with a tire before the crash occurred in 1 of 11 crashes,” including underinflation and blowouts. Also, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that, for every one psi beneath specification, the average car loses about 0.3 percent fuel economy. Proper tire pressure will ensure that you get the maximum mileage out of your tires, too.

Some tires may last up to 60,000 miles, but underinflated tires could become unusable after only 20,000 miles. Tire Inflation Tips for a Safe and Economical Ride 1. Using a tire pressure gauge Begin by taking the tire valve cap off of the valve stem. If you have steel wheels and wheel covers, you may have to remove the wheel cover for access to the valve. Then, align the opening of the tire pressure gauge with the tip of the valve stem and press firmly. You may hear a short hiss of air; if the air keeps hissing, you haven’t quite aligned the gauge to the valve stem. Try again at a slightly different angle until you get it right. With the gauge in place, read the pressure. Depending on their design, some gauges retain the pressure reading even after removing it from the valve stem, which can be a helpful feature if the tire is in an awkward position. 2. How much air is enough? Think again before inflating your tires to the maximum PSI indicated on the tire sidewall;

this is not the correct pressure specification. Instead, look for the “Tire and Loading Information” sticker, located on the driver’s door or door jamb. You should be able to find this information in your owner’s manual, which you should keep in the glove box with your shiny new tire pressure gauge. 3. When to check and adjust tire pressure Given that tire pressure changes with temperature, usage, time and damage, the NHTSA recommends that drivers check pressure levels at least once a month. Tire inflation should always be checked and adjusted when the tires are “cold,” or when they haven’t been driven in at least three hours. First thing in the morning is usually the best time to check. Following these tire inflation tips will probably be the cheapest maintenance you can do on your own car, takes just a few minutes and doesn’t require a high level of expertise. Why not try and fit tire pressure checking into your monthly car maintenance routine? For more information on tire maintenance, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.