How to Inflate Your Car Tires
The tires on a car play a critical role in the vehicle’s safety function. To call your tires “important” would be an understatement. They are concerned by every turn you make and every press of the brake pedal, so please pay them the respect they deserve.
Here’s how to check your tire pressure and inflate your tires.
How do you check your tire pressure?
- Begin by getting a tire gauge. Because certain gas station air hose gauges aren’t always accurate, having a tire gauge on hand is also essential.
- Determine the appropriate level of inflation can either read your automobile owner’s manual or search for the suggested pressure on a label inside your driver’s side door jamb.
- Take off your tire’s valve stem cap. Green valve stem caps with a “N” on them are found on some cars and trucks, indicating that the tire is filled with nitrogen rather than air. If your tires have these green valve stem caps, you can find nitrogen-dispensing stations, but remember that you can also use regular air. Whether the tire is filled with air or nitrogen, the inflation pressure criteria are the same.
- Attach the air pressure gauge to the valve stem of the tire until you get a reading. Remove the gauge and try again if the pressure level number appears to be ridiculous. This time, make sure the indicator is securely attached to the valve stem.
- Use a gauge to check your PSI levels once a month and after extreme temperature fluctuations. Because air increases within your tires while driving, you’ll want to check your pressure levels once your tires have cooled down.
At a gas station, how do you inflate your car’s tires?
If you wish to inflate your tires at a petrol station, bring your tire gauge and some spare change because some are coin-operated and their pressure readings aren’t always correct. Also, be sure to follow these guidelines:
- Park your car close to the air compressor so that you can reach each of your tires with the hose comfortably.
- Take each tire’s valve stem caps off.
- Check the air pressure in each tire with your tire gauge. If the pressure is low, start by inflating the tires with the hose one at a time.
- Check your tires for overinflation at regular intervals. If you overinflate, steadily release some of the air until you achieve the correct pressure.
- Once you’ve reached the proper pressure levels, replace the tire valve caps.
You can now relax and enjoy your rides, but keep an eye on your tire pressure.
How to Inflate Car Tires at Home and While Traveling
- Locate a level area in the shade. Then, on each tire, remove the valve stem caps.
- Before you begin, check the air pressure in each tire with your tire gauge. Keep in mind that while you drive, the temperature and air pressure in your tires will climb.
- If your tire’s air pressure is low and you have an air compressor at home, firmly press the air hose onto the valve stem of your tire. You should hear air entering the tire at this point. If not, double-check that the air hose and the valve stem on your tire are both properly connected.
- Avoid overinflating your tires. If this is the case, carefully release part of the air until you reach the proper amount. The caps should then be replaced.