Automotive maintenance is a delicate affair, and you don’t want anything messing with your performance, especially your tires. If you suspect a problem with your wheels, here is how to check your tire’s pressure.

Get a Tire Pressure Gauge

The first step in the tire pressure process is getting the right tool. Without a tire pressure gauge, you cannot hope to know the PSI of your tires. If you don’t have a gauge on hand or in your car, you can usually find them at local gas stations or other car-related shops. You can opt for a manual or digital gauge, but either way, you’ll use this tool to measure the current pressure in your tires.

Check the Tire Pressure

Before you start, check the inside of your driver’s seat door or owner’s manual for your model’s recommended PSI. Grab a pen and paper and write this number down. Keep this notepad handy, so you can record the pressure readings on each tire as you go. With your gauge in hand, you can begin the measuring process. Most car tires have a small plastic cap screwed over the valve stem. Unscrew this piece and place it in your pocket; you don’t want those small caps rolling away. Hold the gauge firmly against the open cap and push it down. You’ll hear a hiss as air escapes the wheel, and the gauge will give you a reading. If it’s a digital version, the numbers should appear right away. If you have a manual pencil gauge, the inside piece should pop out and stop at the correct PSI.

Visit a Gas Station

Check your tires when they’re cold and you haven’t driven in several hours. Otherwise, the frictional heat from driving will increase the pressure inside, giving you an inaccurate measurement. When you know your tires’ pressure and realize you need more air, visit a gas station with an air pump. Repeat the un-capping process and place the special air pump over the open stem. After you fill each low tire with new air, check the air pressure at the end to ensure it’s at the right number. Use this guide for how to check your tire’s pressure and assess your wheels. If you discover more significant problems you can’t address on your own, take your car to a tire store for further testing. Visit our RNR tires stores in Anderson, Indiana and fix your vehicle today.