How to Use a Tire Pressure Gauge
Keeping your tires properly inflated is an easy way to ease the wear and tear on your vehicle. Properly inflated tires equal a better, smoother ride, less wear on the tires and more stability. Improperly inflated tires can lead to blowouts, decreased fuel mileage and damage to shock absorbers. Keep your car in top shape by checking your tire pressure at least twice a month.
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Instructions
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Refer to your owner’s manual or open your driver's side door, and look for tire inflation information. It is typically located either in these 2 places, or on the underside of your trunk lid.
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Remove the cap from the tire by unscrewing it counterclockwise. Store the cap in your pocket, or leave it in your hand while checking each tire.
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Press the gauge firmly against the tire. You should not hear any hissing from the valve as you do this. If air is hissing, then it's not all traveling through the gauge, and your reading is not accurate. Press harder until the hissing stops.
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Turn the gauge around, so you can see the graduated measure stick that protrudes from the end. Or, if you're using a dial type gauge, once you have an accurate reading, simply remove the dial. The reading needle should lock into place until you release it.
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Fill your tire to the recommended level, typically between 25 and 35 p.s.i, and replace the tire valve cap.
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Tips & Warnings
Check your tire inflation numbers while your tires are cool. If you must drive to reach an air pump, you should wait at least 10 minutes after stopping your car to check your inflation. Alternatively, you can check the inflation before you go, write down the numbers for each tire, and add the proper amount of air when you reach the pump.
Always replace the valve cap after you're done. They don't actually keep the tire from leaking, but they do keep dirt and debris from fouling the valve, and they keep the valve from getting damaged by rocks and other road detritus.
