How to Correct Tire Inflation

Tire maintenance sometimes includes adjusting the amount of air pressure.

Tires are an integral part of any vehicle, be it a bicycle, motorcycle or car. Having correct tire pressure and inflation is very important. It not only ensures a tire's long life, but also affects the vehicle's fuel economy. Irrespective of the size of the tire, its load capacity, durability and traction depends on the correct tire inflation and pressure. Having right inflation will also minimize the heat buildup that is caused by the tread's contact with the road. Measuring and correcting tire inflation is a very simple process that anyone can do.

Things You'll Need

• Tire pressure gauge

Instructions

1. Wait for a time when your car tires have cooled. Ideally, you will have driven the car no more than 1 mile within the previous three hours. Using the tires heats the air inside, which increases the pressure and gives a high reading.

2. Go to the nearest gas station with an air pump. These are sometimes free to use, or sometimes carry a small fee. A better option would be to have an air compressor at your home, but if this is not possible, locate an air station within 1 mile of your starting point and slowly drive to that location.

3. Take an initial reading of your tire pressure. Remove the valve stem cover and use a tire pressure gauge to check the air pressure in each tire. Refer to the owner's manual for the vehicle to determine what the correct tire pressure should be.

4. If the tire has too much air pressure, simply remove air from the tire. The back side of the pressure gauge has a pin that can be pressed into the tire's valve stem to release air. Release small amounts at a time, rechecking the pressure frequently, until the correct tire pressure has been reached.

5. Add air if the tire has too little air pressure. Press the air hose onto the end of the valve stem to blow air into the tire. Increase the tire pressure in small increments, rechecking the tire pressure often.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have to add air to a tire frequently, you may have driven over a nail, resulting in a slow leak. Any tire store can plug the leak.

References

• Tire Rack: Air Pressure--When and How to Set
• Nitrogen Tire Machine: Proper Tire Inflation