Tire Pressure Maintenance For Dummies

How To Read Tire Pressure

Your first step in measuring your tire's air pressure is to make certain the tires are "cold" meaning they haven't been driven on for at least one hour. This will provide you with the most exact PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch) measurement.

Second, find the auto maker's recommended PSI. This can be located in the owner's manual or stamped inside the driver's side door. Jot down the PSI requirements and head to your nearest air compressor. You can typically locate one at most car washes, gas stations, or tire shops. A one-time use will probably cost about $0.50 to $2.00.

Third, inspect the tire pressure with a PSI gauge. These gauges can be found at any retail store's automotive department, an auto parts store, or sometimes they are already installed on the air pumps themselves. Simply fill the tire or tires to the specified PSI level then inspect the PSI one last time and you're ready to roll!

When To Adjust Tire Pressure

The most effective routine is to check your tire pressure monthly. In most modern-day cars, trucks, and SUVs, you can browse the control panel settings for a computer measurement of the PSI on all tires. The computer-generated estimate, in some cases, can become slightly off. Therefore, the most effective approach is to use an air gauge.

Cooler weather conditions can impact PSI as well. According to Goodyear, for every 10 degrees the temperature goes down, your tire pressure can decrease by 1-2 pounds and vice versa for temperature increases.

Why Measure Tire Pressure

Maintaining your car, truck, or SUV's tires is important for fuel economy, automotive performance, and safety. It's what keeps your vehicle rolling. A flat tire or a blowout when driving is not only a headache to deal with but it's also very dangerous if there is not an emergency lane conveniently available. Treat your vehicle to some preventative maintenance and it will take care of you for many smooth riding roads to come.

Schedule a Tire Inspection

Are you worried about your tire pressure, but not quite sure what to do next? Don't fret. Our factory-certified Chevy Buick GMC specialists are standing by. Schedule a tire inspection at our service center today and let us have a look at your wheels. Don't wait until it's flat. The best thing for low tire pressure is to assess and fix any issues early, when there's still air pressure in it.