How to Inflate Car Tires

Inflating your car tires with the proper amount of air is essential for maximizing gas mileage and ensuring even tire wear. Tire pressure is measured in PSI, or pounds per square inch. The PSI required varies from tire to tire and from car to car. Both over inflation and under inflation can cause damage to your tires and possibly to your car.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tire pressure gauge
• Air pump

1. Locate the proper tire pressure for your car. This information is located in your car owner's manual, or you can find it on the inside of the driver's side door.

2. Find the valve stem on your car tire.

3. Remove the valve stem cap and place it in a secure location.

4. Test the tire pressure using a tire pressure gauge. Tire pressure should always be tested when the tire is cold, so the reading will only be accurate if the car has been driven a distance of less than about 2 miles. If the reading is less than the proper pressure for your car, add air to the tire.

5. Fill the tire with air using an electric or battery operated air compressor with a tire inflation attachment. Place the end of the attachment onto the valve stem and turn the machine on. It is possible to use a hand operated pump but it will take longer and require more work.

6. Detach the tire inflation attachment from the valve stem once the tire is properly inflated.

7. Replace the valve stem cover.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the tire pressure periodically while inflating the tire to avoid over inflation.