Your tires perform an extremely important role in ensuring the optimum performance and safety of your car. Inflating your tires and maintaining the right tire pressure ensures that the ride is as comfortable as possible, that the traction is as safe as possible and that your fuel efficiency is maintained at a high level. Your tire pressure can make a significant difference when it comes to how much fuel you use. Checking your tire pressure is quick and easy to do and is an important task that all drivers should complete on a regular basis. Learn how to do it with this guide from DCH Freehold Toyota.
To check your tire pressure, you will need a tire gauge. This instrument measures the pressure in the tire in pounds per square inch, or PSI. You can buy a tire gauge relatively cheaply. Digital models may be easier to read but will cost you a little more money. A standard pressure gauge is more than enough for the job and should fit easily into your glovebox.
You’ll also then need to know what the tire pressure level is for your car. This target measurement varies across different makes and models. You should be able to find this information in your owner’s manual. It is also often displayed on a yellow sticker in the driver’s side doorjamb. Note that there may be different target values for the front and rear tires.
You should always check your tire pressure when the tires are cold. The pressure changes when the tires are warm, and this does not give an accurate reflection of the tire’s real performance. Ideally, you would check the tire pressure first thing in the morning. Following that, wait for the tires to cool down for half an hour or so before checking.
Locate the valve on each tire. Unscrew the cap and put it somewhere safe so that you don’t lose it – it’s not very big! Press the tire gauge onto the stem of the valve. You only need to hold it down for a few seconds to get an accurate reading. Write down the reading on a note pad. If you’re taking a reading for all four tires, it can be quite difficult to remember.
With those readings, you can now compare the actual pressure with the manufacturer’s recommendation. If the tire is below the reading, refill the air to the desired level. You can do this by purchasing a portable air compressor and refilling the tires at home. A good compressor can be quite expensive, so most people simply refill their tires at the gas station. Many gas stations offer this service free of charge, or for what’s probably sitting in your cup holder.
