It’s important to stay safe when behind the wheel.
Checking your tire pressure is one way you can protect yourself. It can also prevent your vehicle’s tires from wearing out too quickly.
Having your own tire pressure gauge is a good idea. Not every gas station pump is calibrated, and they can’t be trusted all the time.
Below is more information you should know about when and how to check the pressure.
When should I check my tire pressure?
You should check your air pressure daily. Most newer vehicles are equipped with tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which will give you a signal on your dashboard when your pressure is low.
If your vehicle isn’t equipped with this, there are some indicators you can look out for. These include a tire’s sidewalls being wider at the bottom and poor handling.
Under Inflated tires will promote outer tire edge wear. Overinflated tires are just as dangerous, as they can wear out the center of a tire.
What are the steps to checking the pressure?
Verifying the correct pressure is the first step in checking your tire pressure. You can find it on the door jam on the driver’s side of the vehicle or on the sidewall of the tire.
The next step is removing the valve stem cap and using a tire pressure gauge to measure it. A basic tire gauge will have a stem that pops out and gives you a reading. You may also use a digital gauge, which will give you a digital number.
It’s important to double check the pressure to make sure you don’t have a false reading.
After checking your tire pressure, make sure to replace the valve stem cap. This can prevent corrosion of the valve stem and TPMS sensor, and help you avoid a costly repair.
HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer located in Woodbridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.