A Step-By-Step Guide On How To Ensure Your Tires Are Properly Inflated

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Your vehicle's tires spin countless times whenever you take a ride to work, the grocery store or any other destination, but you might rarely think of these four pieces of rubber. It's time to change that. A key maintenance job that any driver can perform is to ensure that his or her tires are properly inflated. When your tires have enough air, you'll be able to control your vehicle properly and you'll also maximize your gas mileage; when they're low on air, the opposite is true. Taking charge of your tire inflation doesn't require you to be a car buff – here's what you need to do.

  1. When your car is stopped, open the driver's door and look for a sticker attached to the frame of the door. It provides the information about air pressure that you'll need to know before checking your tires. Look for the number to be displayed in pounds per square inch, commonly abbreviated as PSI. On most vehicles, this number will be between 30 and 32 PSI. If your vehicle doesn't have this sticker, consult your owner's manual.
  2. Invest in a tire pressure gauge and keep it in your glove compartment. These gauges come in standard and digital types and either is effective for the job at hand. Standard is preferable in some cases because it doesn't rely on a battery.
  3. Check your air pressure whenever you stop for gas. To perform this simple task, remove the valve cover on one of your tires, crouch beside it and place the tip of the gauge against the valve stem. Make sure you have a square fit or the air will escape the tire around the edges of the gauge. Check the display on the gauge; on a standard model, a ruler-like device will slide out of the end. On a digital model, the number will display on a screen. Compare the number to the desired PSI for the tire and repeat the process on all your vehicle's tires.
  4. Fill any tires that are low by using the gas station's air pump and following the instructions on the machine. You'll need to insert small change to run the machine. Once it starts, hold the nozzle of the hose against your tire valve and position it so you can hear air rushing into the tire. After a moment, remove the nozzle and recheck the pressure with your gauge. Continue adding air if necessary or remove excess air by pressing on the center of the valve with your fingernail.

For more tips, information, or professional assistance with your tires, visit an auto service shop, such as Collier Tire Auto & Truck Repair Center.

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