The correct tire pressure is essential to ensure better handling, fuel efficiency, and safety. Tires that are always inflated to the recommended tire pressure levels will last longer and save you money. The following step-by-step guide shows you how to check tire pressure and ensure that your tires are inflated to the recommended PSI.
1. Wait for the Tires to Cool Down
You can use a standard or digital tire pressure gauge to check the PSI of your tires. The PSI is the unit the pressure gauge uses to provide the readings. The best time to check tire pressure is when the tires are cold, since friction from driving causes the tires to heat up. This will affect the pressure reading. If you drove your car, wait at least three hours or more to allow your vehicle’s tires to cool down before you check the tire pressure.
2. Write Down the PSI for Each Tire
Find the recommended PSI for your vehicle’s tires on the inside of your driver’s door or in your owner’s manual. The technicians at your dealership will also assist you. You might notice that there are different pressure levels for the front and rear tires. Write down the recommended PSI for each tire.
3. Check the Pressure With the Gauge
Pick a tire and unscrew and remove the valve cap and put it in your pocket or in a safe place to avoid losing it. Press the tire pressure gauge on the valve stem. Press it down until you hear a hissing sound. Press the tire pressure gauge down long enough to get an accurate reading. If you use a digital tire pressure gauge, the pressure reading will appear on the screen. With a standard gauge, a dial will point to the pressure. Some tire pressure gauges have a bar that will be pushed up to indicate the level.
4. Write Down the Reading
Write the pressure reading down next to the recommended PSI for the tire. Repeat this process until you have the pressure readings of all four tires. You can replace the valve cap if the tire pressure is at the correct level. If not, keep the valve cap in a safe place until after you’ve adjusted the air pressure to the recommended tire pressure level.
5. Compare the Readings
You can now compare the tire pressure readings against the recommended PSI for all four tires. If you notice that the pressure levels are below the recommended PSI, you need to inflate the tires to the correct levels. Don’t overinflate the tires to avoid damage.
If the tire is overinflated, use the back of the tire pressure gauge and push it down on the metal pin in the center of the valve stem. This will release the air. Do this in bursts and frequently check the remaining pressure with the gauge. When the tire pressure gauge gives you the correct PSI reading, you can replace the valve cap.
Tires that are not inflated to the correct pressure levels increase wear and tear and waste gas. Under or over-inflated tires could also blow out. This is hazardous, and you could lose control of your car and cause an accident. Visit Porsche Warwick today and our certified technicians will perform a thorough tire inspection and ensure that your tires are inflated to the correct tire pressure levels.
Image courtesy of porsche.com
Connect with us
