All drivers should be aware of their tire pressure in order to get better gas mileage and more importantly, avoid a blowout. If your steering seems a little bit slow as you’re driving, or you feel a little bit lower to the ground than usual, you may need to put air in your tires. But how do you know just how much air you should add in order to get the correct pressure? Checkpoint Motors is happy to help with a few simple tips.
Look Inside Your Car Door
Almost every vehicle has a sticker or label placed inside the vehicle’s driver’s side door. This sticker will show you exactly what the recommended tire pressure is for your car. This information should be listed in pounds per square inch, also known as PSI. If you can’t find the sticker, look in your car’s manual for a table that should mention the correct amount of tire pressure required. Some older model vehicles may not include a sticker, so always keep your manual handy.
Use a Gauge
Once you’ve determined what the optimum amount of air pressure or PSI is for your car’s tires, you can use a gauge to measure the air that is currently inside. It’s best to let your car sit overnight or at least let it stay parked for a few hours before you take a reading in order to get the most accurate measurement. You can purchase a digital tire gauge online or at most auto parts stores and keep it in your glovebox so you can check the pressure at any time. If your PSI readings are lower than the recommended levels found in the door or manual, it’s time to add air.
Adding Air to Your Tires
When you add air to your tires, make sure you don’t overinflate them. First, you’ll need to remove the valve cap from each tire and put it in your pocket or place it in a spot where they won’t get lost. Turn on the air compressor and listen for the motor to run. Once it’s up and running, push the hose fitting onto the valve stem and press down on the lever. You should be able to feel the air flowing and hear a hissing sound as it fills your tire. Most air compressors include a gauge that will read your tire’s air pressure as you go. Repeat this process with all four tires, making sure you don’t over or underinflate them. If you feel more comfortable, you can check the pressure again with your personal gauge just to be sure before you replace the valve caps and drive.
Maintaining the right air pressure will keep you safe on the road, improve gas mileage, and extend the life of your tires. Call Checkpoint Motors in Oregon City, Oregon to schedule an appointment for any of your service, repair, or maintenance needs.
