When was the last time you checked your tire pressure? If you have to stop and think about the answer, it might be time to add this task to your to-do list.

Properly inflation of your vehicle’s tires is essential for safe and efficient driving, and it can extend the life of your tires, saving you money in the long run. If you’re unfamiliar or unsure of how to check and adjust the pressure of your tires, don’t worry; we can help! Our helpful guide below will explain how to check your tire pressure, how to properly inflate your tires, and more.

The Importance of Properly Inflated Tires

You may not think about your tires often, but they play a crucial role in your safety while driving. Properly inflated tires ensure good handling, efficient braking, and a smooth ride. They also enhance fuel efficiency and promote even tire wear, meaning you’ll replace them less frequently.

Overinflated tires reduce traction and create a bumpy ride by decreasing the contact area with the road, which can lead to blowouts. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, causing your engine to work harder and consume more fuel. This causes uneven tire wear, particularly on the edges, heightens the risk of premature tire failure, and decreases stability.

How To Check Tire Pressure

Before you can adjust your tire’s pounds per square inch (PSI) pressure, you need to know how to check the tire’s current pressure.

Gather Your Tools

First, you’ll need a tire pressure gauge. These tools are available at most auto parts stores and are a worthwhile investment for any car owner. Keeping a small, manual tire pressure gauge in your car is a good idea to ensure you can check your tires’ PSI whenever necessary.

Locate the Recommended Tire Pressure

Before you begin, find your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure. Most modern cars print this information inside the driver-side door jamb on a sticker. It can also be found within the vehicle’s owner’s manual. The recommended pressure will typically listed as a range, like 28–32 PSI, for example.

Start With Cold Tires

For the most accurate reading, it’s best to check your tire pressure when the tires are cold. The heat generated from driving can increase tire pressure, leading to inaccurate readings. Ideally, you’ll test the tires of a car that hasn’t moved for three hours or hasn’t recently moved more than a mile.

Remove the Valve Cap

You’ll test the pressure by connecting the gauge to the valve stem of a tire. Locate the valve stem of one of the tires and carefully remove the valve cap from the tire you want to check. Put the cap in your pocket or somewhere safe to ensure you don’t lose it.

Use the Gauge

Firmly press the gauge onto the valve stem, ensuring there’s no hissing sound. A hissing sound indicates that air is escaping, which means the seal isn’t tight. Proper contact is necessary for an accurate reading, so adjust the gauge if needed until it fits securely.

Read the Pressure

Once the gauge is in place, observe the displayed tire pressure. This number is critical for your vehicle’s performance and safety.

Compare this reading to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure levels. If the pressure is too low, consider inflating the tire to the correct level; if it’s too high, you may need to release some air.

Adjust Tire Pressure

After you gain an accurate tire pressure reading, you’ll need to adjust the tires if they are outside the recommended PSI range of your vehicle. Our helpful guide will break down how to properly inflate and deflate your tires.

Underinflated Tires

Tires that are under the prescribed PSI range can lead to increased wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised safety. You can inflate your tires by using an air compressor at your home, or you can take your vehicle to a public station.

Many gas stations and service stations also offer available public air compressors. Apply the hose and gauge of the compressor to the tire valve stem and hold firmly for a few minutes to inflate the tire. Many public air compressors also give live readings of the tire pressure as they inflate, but if the one you’re using doesn’t have this capability, you can periodically check the tire pressure with a manual pressure gauge until the PSI is within the recommended range.

Overinflated Tires

While overinflated tires are much rarer to come across than underinflated tires, they can occasionally happen. Tires that are above the prescribed PSI range can cause a harsher ride, decreased traction, and uneven tire wear.

To gradually deflate a tire, you can either use a tire deflator or some other narrow tool to press down on the valve stem’s metal pin. The valve stem will hiss as you apply pressure, which means air is escaping the tire. Gently press the pin to ensure you don’t break it, and use a gauge to periodically check the tire pressure until it’s at an acceptable level.

What Happens if You Don’t Inflate Your Tires Properly

If you think that tire pressure isn’t a big deal, you’d be wrong. Driving on under and overinflated tires presents many dangers and risks to your car and your safety. Incorrect tire pressure is also a financial burden to car owners when it comes to tire longevity and fuel efficiency.

The Dangers of Underinflated Tires

Underinflated tires can overheat due to increased friction with the road, raising the risk of a blowout. A blowout can lead to a sudden loss of control of the vehicle, making it difficult to steer and potentially causing serious accidents that endanger the driver, the passengers, and other road users.

The Risks of Overinflated Tires

On the flip side, overinflated tires can become rigid and are more susceptible to punctures from sharp objects on the road. Excessive pressure can also lead to uneven tire wear, with the center of the tire wearing down faster than the edges. This uneven wear ultimately shortens the lifespan of the tires, leading to the need for premature replacements and diminishing overall vehicle performance.

Financial Consequences of Poor Tire Maintenance

Neglecting to maintain proper tire pressure affects safety and significantly decreases fuel efficiency. When tires are not within optimal PSI levels, the vehicle’s engine must work harder, leading to increased fuel consumption and higher fuel costs over time.

Improper tire inflation also causes uneven tire wear, which results in more frequent tire replacements. If you want your tires to last as long as possible so that you can get the best return on investment from your tire purchase, you must ensure they’re always operating within the recommended PSI range for your vehicle.

Find New Tires and Maintenance Services at RNR Tire Express.

You can now see how important proper inflation is to your tires and vehicle. If you need new tires for your car or are looking for tire maintenance services, stop by the RNR Tire Express tire shop in McAllen or one of our other many locations.

Our tire experts will ensure your tires are at their peak functionality and can offer crucial maintenance services like rotations, balances, and more. Visit RNR Tire Express to ensure your vehicle and tires are in top shape today!

Locations: McAllen, TX