You should make sure, however, that your tires are appropriate for your vehicle. A question in many minds is when is the appropriate time and frequency for checking and inflating vehicle tires. A quick google search will reveal a variety of different opinions and suggestions. Some say that you should check your tire pressure every 2 nd visit to the gasoline station, while others say once every months is OK. Most tire and vehicle manufacturers, on the other hand, will say that you should check your tire pressure at least once every month , or every second trip to the gas pump.
Your tires will lose around 1 PSI each for every month that goes by. Unfortunately, not one answer will fit every situation. There are several factors that influence how often you should check your tire pressure, including:. If you have a leaky valve or a small puncture, you will lose air pressure much more quickly. This is one more reason why you should frequently check the tire pressure on all of your tires. Finding out the tire pressure of your tires is incredibly easy.
All you need is a pressure gauge click here for additional items you should have in your vehicle. Just make sure that you are checking your tires when they are relatively cold. If you check your tire pressure after a long drive, you will get an inaccurate reading since heat will temporarily increase the tire pressure reading.
Unfortunately, not all pressures gauges are created equal. Some are better than others. We recommend shelling out a couple extra bucks for a digital reader. The pop-up, stick-type versions are notoriously inconsistent and unreliable. A reliable gauge will be well worth the investment. You can also check your tire pressure at most gas stations or auto repair shops. Discount Tire offers free tire pressure checks and inflation.
Remember, just one drop in PSI can lower your gas mileage by about 0. They wear out more rapidly, handle poorly and reduce fuel efficiency. In addition, over-inflated tires are more susceptible to damage from road irregularities, and this also creates a bumpier ride. Knowing how to check tire pressure is critical to your safety and keeping your tires in good working order. Put the pressure gauge into the valve stem, making sure the gauge is evenly and firmly pressed onto the stem.
If using a pen-style gauge, read the number on the rod that pops out of the sleeve. Read dial pressure gauges like you would a watch with one hand. With a digital pressure gauge, simply read the number on the screen. When you drive with over-inflated tires, you risk: Problems with handling and safety.
Rapid, uneven tire wear. When you drive with under-inflated tires, you risk: Tire failure and safety. Underinflated tires greatly increase braking distances and can dramatically affect steering and handling.
That friction can lead to overheating, which can cause tread separation and blowouts in extreme cases. Premature wear , reducing your tire life by 15 per cent or more. Under inflation wears your tires on both outside shoulders because the edges are making excessive contact with the road. Poor gas mileage.
Vehicles with underinflated tires see reduced fuel economy because they make your engine work harder: underinflated tires put more tire surface in contact with the road, causing more rolling resistance and friction with the road. The result is poor gas mileage and higher fuel costs — up to 1.
Depending on how often you fill up, that can lead to hundreds of dollars over the space of a single year. How do summer and winter temperatures impact tire pressure? Winter When the temperature drops, air contracts and as the molecules get closer together, the reduction in volume causes tires to lose their pressure. When this concept plays out inside your tires, it can affect your tire pressure.
Low tire pressure can lead to: Increased stopping time: Underinflated tires can increase braking time and skid more easily on wet pavement. Poor fuel economy: Underinflated tires can lower gas mileage by about 0.
Department of Energy. Decreased tire lifespan: Underinflation can decrease the lifespan of your tires and make them more vulnerable to damage—all leading to you having to buy more tires, more often.
How to Check Tire Pressure A small decrease in tire pressure is hard for the naked eye to detect, but it can still have a big impact on your driving. Find your recommended tire pressure. Check your tires before driving. Get out your tire pressure gauge. Unscrew the valve stem cap on a tire. Attach the tire pressure gauge to the valve stem. Replace the valve stem cap. Repeat the process for each tire and note your tire pressure readings.
Inflate your tires, if needed. Up Next.
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