Checking the pressure of your car’s tires is among the most important maintenance procedures you need to do. Having well-inflated tires results in better fuel mileage and also lengthens the lifespan of your tires.
To find out what the recommended psi (pounds per square inch) is for your tires, check your car’s owners manual. This information is also found on the vehicles door jamb and in some models it is inside the fuel hatch filler flap, on the trunk lid or the glove compartment door. Remember, the psi on the tire’s sidewall is NOT the recommended inflation pressure, this is the maximum psi your tires can take.
When checking for tire pressure, you should be aware that air expands when it’s hot and contracts when it’s cold. As such, you should check your tire pressure before driving out even one mile or at least three hours after the vehicle has stopped.
Frequency of tire pressure checks should be done at least once a month. Tires are estimated to lose 1 psi per month. You should also check your tires before going on long trips. Make sure all four tires are check as well as the spare. Check on the tire’s valve to ensure it hasn’t deteriorated or has not been bent as these could cause air loss. Buy quality valve caps as well to prevent moisture from entering your tires and to keep dust and particle out.
It is also advisable to use your own pressure gauge. Those available in gas stations are often abused and may become unreliable over time.
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