Mastering Tire Maintenance: A Step-by-Step Guide to How to Put Air in Car Tire
Posted on July 3, 2024
Let's admit it, we all forget to give our vehicles the TLC they deserve sometimes, and one important thing often overlooked is tire pressure.
Did you know that nearly half of Canada's vehicles are rolling with tires either overinflated or underinflated by more than 10%? Even more alarming, 10% of these vehicles have at least one tire underinflated by a staggering 20%. This presents a serious safety issue for drivers.
In this easy-to-follow guide, we'll show you how to check and put air in tires for a smoother and safer ride down the road.
Adding Air to Tires: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Adding air to your tires is easier than you think. Here's what you need to do at you:
- Pull up to the air dispenser and find the hose.
- Make sure the hose can reach all four tires.
- Remove the cap from the first tire's valve.
- Check the tire pressure using your gauge.
- Repeat for the other three tires.
Keep in mind that gas station air gauges might not be perfectly accurate due to tire heat expansion from driving. Add air in short bursts to avoid overinflation. If you do overinflate, simply release excess air by pressing the pin on the valve or using the knob on the gauge.
How Much Air Should I Put in My Tires?
Wondering how much air to pump into your tires? It's a common question we hear at our service center. The answer depends on your vehicle and its tires, but you can usually find it on a sticker inside the driver's side door or in your owner's manual.
Typically, car tire pressure should be around 32 to 35 psi when cold. Remember not to inflate your tire to the numbers itself – that's usually the maximum pressure, not the recommended one.
Properly inflating your tire is key to avoiding premature wear and costly replacements. If your car feels hard to handle or bounces more than usual, you've probably overinflated – just release a bit of air, and you're good to go.
The Significance of Proper Tire Pressure When Inflating Your Tires
Maintaining correct tire pressure is crucial for a smooth and safe ride.
Here are more reasons to do so:
- Properly inflated tires keep optimal car handling and performance, which reduces the risk of accidents.
- Maintaining the right pressure improves fuel efficiency, which will save you time and money at the pump.
- Neglecting tire pressure can lead to premature wear, meaning more frequent tire replacements.
To check tire tread depth, you may use the penny trick: place a penny upside down in the tread, and if Lincoln's head is fully visible, it's time for new tires. Remember to check tread depth in multiple spots on each tire, as wear can vary.
Why Should You Check Your Tire Pressure?
Making sure your tire pressure is perfect isn't only about safety; it also affects your pocket and driving experience:
- Longer Lasting Tires: Proper inflation extends tire life.
- Improved Handling: Optimal pressure enhances control on the road.
- Reduced Accident Risk: Correct pressure lowers the chance of blowouts.
- Better Fuel Economy: Keeping tires inflated as recommended saves on gas.
- Decreased Carbon Footprint: Efficient tire pressure means less environmental impact.
Maintaining manufacturer-recommended tire pressure is crucial for safe and efficient driving. Underinflated tires increase heat and resistance, which leads to higher fuel costs, tire wear, and potential loss of control.
Essential Steps for Checking Your Tire Pressure
Here's a simple guide to checking your tire pressure:
- Check when your tires are cold, ideally in the morning before driving.
- Remove the caps from the air valves.
- Firmly place the tire pressure gauge on the valve for a reading.
- Take the reading 1-3 times for accuracy.
- Compare the reading to the manufacturer's recommended psi levels.
- Add air if needed to reach the recommended level.
- If the reading is too high, release air by pressing the valve.
- Recheck and adjust as necessary.
It only takes a couple of minutes to check and adjust tire pressure. Once done, you can enjoy the safety benefits and savings of this simple maintenance task.
Keep Your Wheels Rolling Smoothly - Put Air in Your Tires Like a Pro
Mastering tire maintenance by learning how to properly put air in your car tires is a fundamental skill every driver should possess. Trust CarHub as your go-to destination for all things related to car maintenance. We are here to assist you every step of the way. Contact us today and let us take care of your car's needs.