How to Check a Bike's Tire Pressure

An essential tool in maintaining a bicycle is proper tire pressure. It keeps your bike riding smoothly, and prevents blow outs and flats from occuring when you least expect it. Bicycle tires require different levels of pressure to compensate for the variety of riders and conditions.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Buy a bike tire pressure gauge. Auto pressure gauges are not able to accurately measure the high pressure in bicycle tires. If you're buying a bike tire pump, find one with a pressure valve attached.

2. Find out the correct amount of pressure for your tire. The recommended pressure range is usually written on the side of the tire. Check your owner's manual for pressure suggestions.

3. Use the standard shrader or American valve, which are found with most basic bike air pumps. There is also a French or Presta Valve which can be used with a standard pump, which allows air in or out without any mechanical controls.

4. Unscrew the valve cover. Keep the cap in a place that's easily accessible.

5. Put the pressure gauge on the tire valve. If the gauge has a lever to secure it in place, push the lever down.

6. Find the pressure amounts on the gauge by holding it still and locating the arrow on the gauge. Most gauges give a pretty good estimate of pressure down to the tenth of a pound per square inch (PSI.) Digital gauges are also available for an exact read out.

Tips & Warnings

• Check your tires for holes, tears in the tread or crease marks before pumping them up. These stress areas can become flat tires if you add air to the tire without first fixing them.
• Don't use gas station air pumps to fill your bike tires. They give off way too much pressure, and can cause problems with your tire tubes and can cause a blow out.

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[bookmom]

on 7/20/2008 Really good information. Thanks so much!

[bookmom]

on 7/20/2008 Really good information. Thanks so much!