How to Check Tire Pressure

Introduction

Check all of your car's tires once a month or whenever they look low. Low tire pressure can lower your gas mileage, make your car handle poorly and even lead to blowouts. Follow these few helpful steps to keep you safe on the road with properly aired tires!

By: eHow Cars Editor

Length: 1:32

Comments: 6

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Instructions

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Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

You can't tell whether a tire has the correct air pressure just by looking at it. Always use a tire-pressure gauge. You can buy a good-quality tire-pressure gauge at your local auto-parts store. If you don't have one, the pressurized-air machines at many gas stations and garages have gauges, although they might not always be accurate or functioning.

Step2

Find the air-pressure specifications for your car's tires. You'll usually find them on a sticker located on the driver's side doorjamb. Or the sticker may be in the glove box or trunk. Don't look at the tire's sidewall for the air-pressure specifications, as it lists the maximum pressure for the tire.

Step3

Unscrew the plastic cap on the air valve. Put it in your pocket so you don't lose it.

Step4

Press the tire-pressure gauge against the valve and hold it down firmly (see illustration). If you hear a hissing noise, you are letting air out. Press down harder.

Step5

Read the measurement on the gauge.

Step6

Add air as needed (see How to Inflate Your Tires), but don't overfill the tire.

Comments

tinasgroove said

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on 3/3/2008 I like it. 4 out of 5 stars!

magnetjoe said

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on 11/19/2007 Hey I got an ad from an Auto dealer to replace my air in my tires with Nitrogen, now I have looked far and wide to find any reason to do this. They caim to Increases tire life
Improves fuel economy
Reduces the chance of the tire failure
Improves braking and handling

Reduces wheel corrosion
Reduces running tire temperature
Maintains proper tire pressure
Ok So does any one have any real information on this?

mosis said

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on 5/31/2007 "Unscrew the plastic cap on the air valve. Put it in your pocket so you don't lose it."

This may be a horrible idea unless your tires are so clean you can eat off of them. Why would dirty a pair of pants to keep them safe when you can just put it back on as soon as you inflate it. Not to mention if you lose them they cost $0.67 for 4 at any auto store or even Wal-mart/Target.

Surfiro said

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on 2/2/2007 Never rely on visual judgment on knowing your tire pressure, as it is often not accurate. Always use a properly calibrated tire pressure gauge, or simply go with the recommended interval of once a month to pump air into your tires. Drive safe.

Anonymous said

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on 6/30/2006 A tire is considered "cold" when it has sat for three hours and not driven over three miles. Air does expand when it gets warmer and the base tire pressure takes that into account.

However if it is 0 degrees today and I fill up my tires and it is 60 degrees tomorrow, they could be overfilled. The best advice is to check them cold after any major temperature change.

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