Understanding how and when to check our tyre pressure is crucial because improperly inflated tyres may wear out prematurely. According to Cars.com, tyres with the wrong pressure can result in reduced fuel efficiency. Maintaining the proper tyre pressure not only enhances vehicle handling but also contributes to better fuel economy and longer-lasting tyres.
Here's how to check tyre pressure, including how much air to put in the tyres and the vehicle's recommended tyre pressure.
Process of Checking Tyre Pressure Using a Gauge
Checking tyre pressure using a gauge requires a tire pressure gauge, commonly available at service stations and auto parts stores. It's crucial to do this check while the tyres are cold as driving generates heat, altering the pressure. According to Consumer Reports, if the vehicle has been moved, it's advisable to wait for at least three hours for the tyres to cool down before performing the check.
- We can check our tyre pressure in the following ways once we have a tyre gauge:
Take off the tyre's air valve cap.
- Press the tyre gauge up against the open valve stem for a brief moment. It's normal to hear a hiss of air.
- Examine the air pressure indicator. For manual gauges, pressure is displayed via a dial with a bar indicating the pressure amount. Digital tire gauges display the pressure reading on their screens.
- Compare the measured pressure value with the recommended tire pressure for accuracy.
- Replace the air valve cap on the tire. (Delay this step if adjustments to the air pressure are needed.)
- Repeat these steps for each tire on the vehicle.