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How to Check Your Tire Pressure

How to Check Your Tire Pressure

Not sure how to check your tire pressure? Many drivers don’t, but considering your tires are what gets you safely from A to B, knowing how to check your tire pressure is an essential skill that every driver should have. Tires that are under-inflated can result in a slew of issues, including faster wear and tear, poor handling, poor fuel efficiency, and even a major blow out. By monitoring the air pressure in your tires each month, you can extend their lifespan and keep you and your passengers safer when out on the road. Here’s how to check your tire pressure.

Learn What the Optimal Tire Pressure is for Your Vehicle

Different vehicles can have different recommendations for the proper level of pressure. There are a few different ways that you can find out what your manufacturer recommends. First, look down on the driver’s side of the door jamb to see if there’s a sticker. This usually contains the info you need. Alternatively, you can look in the owner’s manual, the console, truck lid or inside the fuel door. You should be looking for a number such as “35 PSI”. This number will highlight the minimum level of air pressure required for your vehicle to function. It’s also important to note that if you see something that indicates the MAX PSI, avoid this. This does not indicate the recommended pressure, only the absolutely max that your tires can handle to support the vehicle. You’re aiming for what’s recommended as an optimal level, not the max amount.

Check Tires In the Morning

The timing is also important when checking your tire pressure. Doing it right after driving when the tires are still warm can produce an inaccurate reading. So make sure when checking, to do so in the morning or after the car has been parked for a while, preferably in the shade.

Use a Good Tire Gauge

There are a few different types of tire gauges you can use. It doesn’t really matter which one you use, but what does matter is that it’s a good, reliable gauge. If yours is old or has been beaten around, it may not produce an accurate reading. This can be the case with gas station gauges too. To check the pressure, first find the valve on the tire and remove the cap. Place the appropriate open end onto the valve. Then, once the needle or sticks stops moving, check the number. This will indicate the current pressure level in your tires. If your reading shows that your tires are 25% or more under-inflated, it can be unsafe to drive.

Inflate Tires as Needed

Once you have the number, compare it to what’s recommended for your vehicle and top it up as needed. Remember, you’re aiming for the optimal level, not the max. If you accidentally add too much, you can release air by pressing the metal stem of the valve. Once you’re done, take a final reading, place the cap on the valve and you’re good to go!

Don’t Forget About the Spare

While you’re checking and inflating your regular tires, it’s a good time to pop open the trunk and do the same with your spare. Nothing is worse than realizing you have an under-inflated spare tire when you get a flat.

Ottawa Honda provides professional, reliable and efficient service to help ensure your vehicle is safe for any road-tripping adventures. If you need a pro to check your tire pressure or even just a second opinion, book a service at Ottawa Honda our team will gladly help you out.