How do you find out if your tire pressure is correct?

13 Feb.,2023

 

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But if you’re using upsized or upgraded tires with a different size than the OEM tires, you should ask the shop that changed the tires what the correct pressure is.

Almost all modern vehicles now come with a car manufacturer's recommended tire pressure that is indicated on the owner’s manual or found on the vehicle’s door sills. That’s measured in pounds per square inch (PSI).

Having the correct tire pressure is extremely important to achieve good gas mileage and get the longest service life from a set of tires.

That's because your modified vehicle will not be able to use the factory settings.

Factors to consider

Temperature

Temperature can influence tire pressure and can lead to inaccurate readings.

During the summer season, where the temperatures get high, try lowering the tire pressure. This is because high temperatures increase the pressure inside the tires.

For lower temperatures like during the cold season, increasing the tire pressure may be a good option. Constantly adjust the average tire PSI, depending on the temperature, for safer and more fuel-efficient driving.

Type of vehicle

Since every vehicle type’s tire pressure may vary, it is best to follow and stay within the car manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure chart.

For the majority of vehicles, these are the ranges:

  • Cars – 32 to 35 PSI
  • Sport-utility vehicles – 40 to 42 PSI
  • Trucks – 50 to 60 PSI (larger trucks can go upwards to 105 psi)

Weight

The tires support the weight of the vehicle, which explains why tire pressures must be increased where there is more mass.

Depending on where the vehicle’s heavy parts are located like the engine and transmission, the tire pressures must be raised on that side.

This also applies when accommodating multiple passengers on the third row or back seat as this also equates to additional weight.

Keep in mind that the pressures must always not be too far off from the recommended ranges.

How to check your tire pressure

After knowing the proper tire air pressure recommended by the car manufacturer, here's how you can fill up your tires yourself.

Step 1: Test with cold tires

The reason for checking tire pressure while cold is that as tires roll along the road, friction between them and the road generates heat, increasing both the temperature and the air pressure.

Check the tire pressure after the vehicle has cooled down considerably to avoid the heat from the friction of the last drive and before the temperature goes up.

Step 2: Check the tire pressure with the gauge

Simply unscrew the valve cap and press the Tire gauge onto the valve stem until the hissing sound disappears.

There should be a reading as long as the gauge is well connected to the tire.

Step 3: Take note of the readings

Note the tire pressure of each tire and compare these with the ideal PSI you read from inside your driver’s door or in the owner’s manual.

In some vehicles, the front and rear tires may have different recommended PSI.

Step 4: Fill your tires to the recommended pressure

If you find a tire underinflated, use the air compressor to fill your tires.

You can either buy an air compressor in the auto parts store or use one in a gas station. It’s OK to overinflate a bit when filling the tires, as you can let the air out with the gauge.

Step 5: Check the tire pressure again

After filling the tires, use your tire pressure gauge to check the pressure again and make sure it is in a good range.

Let the air out a bit if it's over-inflated.

For your safety

Keeping the tires properly inflated is important and very necessary to keep the vehicle in proper working order.

Of course, knowing the car manufacturer's recommended tire pressure isn’t enough – make it a habit to check the tires regularly.

Experts recommend checking the air pressure at least once a month. Knowing and maintaining the right air pressure is important to the safety and longevity of the tires.

All it takes is a tire pressure gauge and a few minutes.

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