Checking Your Tire Pressure

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated February 17, 2012)

Have you ever noticed that no one really pays all that much attention to their tires until there is some kind of a problem? Even those rare few that do periodically check their tire pressure are usually doing it wrong. Surprisingly checking your tire pressure isn't all that difficult to accomplish, and if done correctly can help prevent many potential problems. Here is the simplest, and most effective, method for checking your tire pressure.

  1. Determine the correct pressure. Before you can actually begin checking your tire pressure, you need to know what the appropriate pressure is. There are a couple of different ways that you can do this. The first is by looking at the owner's manual, and going with what it says there. However, if you have lost the owner's manual all you need to do is look at the driver's door. On the inside edge of the driver's door is a sticker that will have the proper information.
  2. Use the proper tools. In order to check the tire pressure, you will need to make sure that you have the proper tools. In this case you will need to use a tire pressure gauge. Ideally you should get one from a trusted source (such as your local auto parts store), otherwise you could get an inaccurate reading. Always use a trusted gauge to prevent any problems.
  3. Check only cool tires. While you can always check the tire pressure at any time, for the most accurate reading you want to check tires that haven't been driven for a while. Typically you will want to wait for a minimum of three hours after driving before you actually check the tires.
  4. Apply the pressure gauge. Locate the valve stem on the tire you want to check, and remove the cover on it. Apply the pressure gauge to the valve stem until you see the gauge pop out and hear the sound of escaping air. Hold the pressure gauge to the valve stem until the gauge stops moving, and look at the reading.
  5. Compare readings. Make sure that you remember what the reading is in case you happen to move the gauge unintentionally. Compare the reading that you got from the tire with the manufacturer's recommendation.
  6. Refill as necessary. If the two readings are not similar, or within the appropriate parameters, then take the appropriate measures to fix the problem. For an overfilled tire, all you need to do is release some of the air until it arrives at the appropriate place. For a tire that is too low, replace the missing air until you have arrived at the appropriate pressure.
  7. Put everything away. Once you have finished removing or refilling the air pressure as necessary, begin putting everything away. This simply means that you need to put the valve stem cover on, and put your tire gauge into your glove box.
  8. Inspect tires. Since you are already looking at your tires, take the opportunity to inspect them for any other problems. Take a look at the tire tread for any indication of uneven wear, or if the tread has gotten too thin. Also keep an eye out for any nails, cuts, or other type of damage to the tires, and if you find any then have the afflicted tire replaced as soon as possible.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Apple Mash

Apple mash is a wonderful dish that has long been a favorite in Emerald Isle. Learn a little more about this great dish ...

Discover More

Create Your Own English Garden

If you have ever seen a movie that was set in England, then chances are you have seen at least the idea of an English ...

Discover More

Cleaning Paint Off of Fiberglass

Cleaning paint off of fiberglass shouldn't be that difficult of a project, even though we commonly make it so. There is a ...

Discover More
More Car Tips

Changing a Flat Tire

If there is one type of car repair that every car owner needs to know how to accomplish, then it has to be changing a ...

Discover More

Understanding Tire Codes

Have you ever looked at the side of a tire, and noticed a weird looking alphanumeric code? That code can tell you a lot ...

Discover More

Rotating Your Car Tires

Rotating your car tires is one of the many maintenance items that you can either pay good money for someone else to do, ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 6 - 0?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)