How to Check Tire Pressure and Inflate Tires

In order to check tire pressure you’ll need a tire pressure gauge. Gauges can be purchased at auto parts stores and service stations. The cost is sometimes as little as $1.00, but could be $3.00-$7.00. They’re usually about the size of a large pen, but they can come in other forms. Sometimes a gauge is included with the air hose of the air dispensing stand at the gas station.

Look in the driver side door jamb for a sticker that indicates the vehicle manufacturer’s tire specifications. There will also be specifications on the tire itself which are the tire manufacturer’s specifications. However, the numbers for the specified tire pressure may be different between the two different specifications. The tire manufacturer’s specification indicates the maximum amount of pressure that the tire can safely hold. The vehicle manufacturer’s specifications indicate the recommended pressure for that specific vehicle. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s specification on the sticker in the driver’s side door jamb.

Follow these steps to check tire pressure and correct it when it’s low:

• Remove the valve cap of each tire
• Align the gauge up to the valve
• Press the gauge onto the valve with firm direct pressure and then release. You’ll see the measuring stick get pushed out of the other side of the gauge (on a pen gauge).
• Fill the tire with air, recheck the pressure, then repeat as needed until the desired pressure is obtained.
• Replace the valve cap

Tire pressure is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch) or KPA (Kilopascals) which are simply units of measurement for pressure. Pressure is a force distributed over surface area. Heat increases pressure, so you may find that your tires need more air as it gets colder during the winter and less air as it gets hotter during the summer. Some vehicles have a dashboard indicator light that will illuminate when the tire pressure needs to be checked or corrected. Check the owner’s manual for your specific vehicle.

 

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