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 gauge is a good idea. Not every gas station pump is calibrated, and they can’t be trusted all the time.
Here is more information you should know:
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 tire 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. Over inflated tires are just as dangerous, as they can wear out the center of a tire.
What are the steps to check my tire 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 gauge to measure the pressure. 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 tire pressure to make sure you don’t have a false reading.
After checking your it, 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.
This article was written by HomeTowne Auto Repair & Tire, an authorized Michelin and BFGoodrich tire dealer in Woodbridge. The auto repair shop performs various services, including oil changes, alignments and computer engine diagnostics.
