How to Check Your Tire Pressure
A stable tire pressure can be essential for your survival out on the road. If your tire pressure isn’t right, your car, or worse, your life will be at stake. If you’re afraid of spending a fortune to get your tire pressure checked, don’t worry–regulating tire pressure doesn’t have to be a burden.
Of course, you can go to a professional to check your tire inflation, spending a lot of money in the process, but there are ways you check your tire pressure at home. You don’t need professional knowledge to make sure that your ride is safe. Below are some things to know when checking tire pressure by yourself.
The Standard Tire Pressure Level
Before checking anything, you might be wondering what the standard tire pressure level is. It’s essential to know the standard for your car, or you won’t know what is right and what is wrong.
Always check the side door for a label–it will tell you the optimal tire pressure level for your particular car. The average tire pressure for SUVs tends to be between 30 and 35 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch).
Once you know what tire pressure is best for your car, try to look into the specifics–what’s the best tire pressure for your car during winter, summer, etc.
More About Tire Pressure
Air isn’t something that tends to stay in one place–it flows and reacts with the environment. During the cold seasons, your tire pressure may change to a noticeable extent. When it’s frigid outside, the air doesn’t necessarily escape from your tires, but it rather contracts and compresses.
Because of this, your tire pressure may decrease–approximately one PSI will be lost for every 10-degree drop in Fahrenheit. Before the outside temperature starts to drop, it’s best to inflate your tires a little more than usual. Doing so will ensure that your tires stay within the recommended tire pressure range, even if it’ll be freezing outdoors.
On the contrary, heat can increase your tire pressure. Tire pressure will rise by one PSI for every 10-degree rise in temperature in Fahrenheit. In addition to that, driving for extended periods can also influence your tire pressure. Friction is something that can dramatically raise the heat between the road and your tires, thereby increasing tire pressure. Once you know the standard tire pressure for your car, think about how you should inflate it according to the hot or cold environment.
The Steps to Check Tire Pressure
Start with Cold Tires
Manufacturers use cold tires to determine the ideal tire pressure for your car, so it’s best to keep your tires cold when checking tire pressure, too. Try to stick to the original situation the manufacturers experienced when finding the right tire pressure, since then you’ll be able to see what’s right for your car.
A heated tire may give inaccurate results, so wait until your tires cool down to ensure the most reliable results possible.
Note the PSI for Each Tire
When you’re checking to see if each of the four tires has the ideal tire pressure for your car, carry a notebook and a pen with you. Don’t entirely rely on your memory, because if you forget an essential detail, the results could be fatal.
Check Tire Pressure with Your Gauge
Remove the cap from one of your tires. Next, place your pressure gauge on the valve stem and apply pressure until you hear the hissing sound. Your pressure gauge should provide a reading; a small bar should be pushed out to a specific level, indicating the tire pressure. Digital gauges will show the tire pressure on their screens.
Tire pressure isn’t something to toss to the back of your mind. Without the proper knowledge, you could end up in a situation where your car, or worse, your life would be in danger. It’s essential to know everything you can about your car’s recommended tire pressure level and how it changes.
