How to Check Your Tire Pressure – and Why It Matters

24 Jun How to Check Your Tire Pressure – and Why It Matters

You will not become an ASE certified auto technician upon completing this short article – but you will know how to perform an important facet of auto maintenance, and understand why it’s important to do so. We’re going to make you a master tire pressure checker!

What Is Tire Pressure?

The typical air pressure at sea level is 14.7 pounds per square inch (psi). The typical air pressure inside most passenger vehicles’ tires is usually more than twice as high: between 30 and 35 psi, give or take.

The ideal pressure for a set of tires is determined by several factors, including the vehicle’s weight, size, and towing capacity. The size of the tires also matters, as does the tires’ style. Fortunately, knowing the correct pressure for your tires is as easy as reading the sticker affixed to the driver’s side door jamb (or consulting your vehicle’s owner’s manual).

How Do You Check Tire Pressure?

You only need one tool to gauge tire pressure. Appropriately enough, it is called a tire pressure gauge. It is an inexpensive little device that you shouldn’t have to spend more than $20 on. Once you’ve purchased the tool, checking your tire pressure is a matter of following these simple steps:

1. Begin with cold tires. Tire pressure increases by about 1 psi for each 10° increase in ambient air temperature. That doesn’t mean you have to wait until it’s a certain temperature outside; just note that atmospheric temperature does affect tire pressure. More importantly, it’s ideal to check tire pressure after your vehicle has been parked for three hours or longer (movement increases the temperature of the air inside the tires, which will affect your reading).

1. Remove valve caps. Each of your tires has a little valve. Each of these valves has a threaded plastic cap. Unscrew each and set them aside where they won’t get lost.

1. Check tire pressure. Once a valve’s stem is exposed, press your tire pressure gauge against it. You will hear a brief hissing noise, followed by silence as your gauge takes an accurate reading. Don’t worry about deflating your tires during this process; the valves only allow negligible amounts of air to escape during it.

1. Write down tire pressure. Once you have gauged the first tire’s air pressure, continue on to gauge the remaining three. Unless you have excellent memory, write all four figures down.

• Replace valve caps. You don’t want your valves to corrode or get dirty.

Now that you know all four tires’ air pressure levels, consult the driver’s side door jamb sticker to determine how underinflated (or overinflated) your tires actually are. (Note that some vehicle manufacturers advise different psi for front and rear tires.)

• If a tire is underinflated, fill it using an air compressor (which is typically available for free or a small fee at gas stations), taking care to intermittently pause and regauge the tire pressure.

• If your tires are overinflated, use the tip of any metal object (such as a key, screwdriver, or the gauge itself) to depress the valve. Take frequent readings with your gauge to avoid letting too much air out of your tires.

Once all four tires are the correct psi, you’re ready to hit the road!

Why Is Tire Pressure Important?

Tires lose about 1 psi of pressure every month – the reason why you should check them just as often. But this begs the question: why bother at all?

• Correct tire pressure promotes safety. When tire pressure is too low, it worsens steering and handling. It also increases the vehicle’s stopping distance, which makes it harder to evade obstacles that suddenly appear on the road.

• Correct tire pressure increases tire lifespan. When tire pressure is too low, it causes the tire to generate more heat during operation. That accelerates wear and tear on the treads, and increases the likelihood of a blowout.

• Correct tire pressure saves money. Keeping your tires properly inflated won’t just extend their lifespan. It will also reduce the amount of fuel you have to burn to drive from A to B.

Overinflated tires aren’t as great of an issue. The centers of overinflated tires’ treads will wear out faster, however, and handling might also suffer.

All the maintenance in the world can’t make tires last forever. Several factors determine just how long a set of tires will last. Usually, it’s about four to five years or 60,000 to 75,000 miles. Once you reach one of these milestones, you are advised to proceed to a tire dealer.

If you live in Siouxland, then the best tire store is already right near you. Visit any of Square Tire’s locations in Sioux City, IA and Norfolk, NE for a new set of high-quality tires by one of the industry’s leading manufacturers, complete with free alignment and a comprehensive mechanical warranty. Contact us today to schedule fast service!