How To Check Tire Pressure

There are multiple benefits of having the correct tire pressure such as improved safety, more mileage and longer tire life

Most people check their tires when the air pressure becomes too low or when they can notice it visually with their eyes. However, this is not the correct approach to check tire pressure. For best results, it is important to check tire pressure at least once a month. Let’s take a look at how to check tire pressure in the correct manner.

How to check tire pressure

There are various tools available for checking tire pressure. You can use a digital tire pressure gauge or an analogue tire pressure gauge. Make sure you choose a reliable brand because accuracy is important when checking tire pressure. Even tire pressure gauges available at gas stations and roadside shops can show inaccurate reading. That’s why it is important to have your own tire pressure gauge. This way, you can double check if you have any doubts.

Right time to check tire pressure

The best time to check tire pressure is when they are at ambient temperature. That means the vehicle should be parked in a garage or shaded area for at least 3 hours before taking a reading. There can be exceptions such as times when you are travelling. But for general maintenance, the tire pressure is normally checked when the tires are at ambient temperature.

When you are driving, the heat generated can drive up the tire pressure by around 4-6 PSI. That’s why tire pressure needs to be checked in ambient temperature when the tires are well rested.

Step by step procedure for checking tire pressure

You first need to find the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle. This could be written on a sticker on the vehicle or mentioned in the user manual provided with the vehicle. In the next step, you need to prepare the tire for receiving air. For this, you need to remove any caps placed on the tire valve stem.

In the next step, you need to measure the current tire pressure. If the tire pressure is low, you need to fill the tire with air in short bursts. If you are using a tire inflator, you can set the recommended tire pressure and let the inflator do the job on its own. It is better to keep two tire pressure measuring devices, so you can know if there is any mismatch in the reading.

A minor mismatch in tire pressure readings across different devices is understandable. But if the difference is higher, you need to find which of your tire pressure measuring devices has malfunctioned. You can get this done by checking tire pressure at a repair shop. If the pressure is higher, you can remove some of the air in short bursts by pressing the pin in the valve stem.

Other useful tips for checking tire pressure

A low pressure in a tire can be diagnosed with symptoms like excessive heat, lower mileage and issues with the vehicle’s balance and handling. You can also inspect the tires visually to get a rough idea about low tire pressure. In comparison, a higher than recommended tire pressure will have symptoms like a harsh ride, reduced grip on road and center tread wear. Always remember to check tire pressure of your vehicle at least once every four weeks.