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Step 1
Pick a regular time each week to check tire pressure. The tires should be cold, so you might do this before your first drive of the day.
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Step 2
Check your owner's manual for the proper tire pressure for your car's tires. Tire pressure information is also often shown on a label in the driver's door jamb.
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Step 3
Digital tire gauges make things easy.Use a standard or digital tire gauge to check pressure. Unscrew the cap from the tire's valve stem. Press and seat the tip of the gauge on the stem. You should hear a momentary hiss of air as it seats. When it stops, the gauge will indicate tire pressure.
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Step 4
Release air if the pressure is too high. Add air if it's too low. Most gas stations have an air hose for this. You can also buy an inexpensive air pump that's powered by the 12-volt power available from your cigarette lighter or powerpoint in your car. Replace the cap on the valve stem when you're done.
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Step 5
Tire pressure monitoring systems automate the process.Many cars are now available with optional tire pressure monitoring systems that automate the process. You can also add one at a nominal cost.
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Step 6
Some people prefer to fill their tires with nitrogen, which is available at a growing number of tire shops. Nitrogen isn’t affected as much by variations in tire temperature, so tire pressures stay more constant.
Inflating your car tires with the proper amount of air is essential for maximizing gas mileage and ensurin… More
Comments
emayfiel said
on 7/29/2009 There is no scientific basis for the use of nitrogen in car tires.
Consumer Reports magazine tested tires filled with nitrogen, and found that they retained pressure slightly better than with air, however, the difference was only 1.3 pounds per square inch over an entire year’s time – a trivial difference which may even have been an accidental result.
In addition, the Rubber Manufacturers Association advises that, “For normal tire service applications, nitrogen inflation is not required.”
Normal air is 4/5 nitrogen, so replacing it with "pure" nitrogen is pointless.