Tire PSI

Not all tires go flat. Is your tire bulging at the bottom? If so, you might want to check the pressure of your tires. If you don't own the proper materials at home to add more air to your tires it is best that you find a gas station near you that has a machine to apply air to your tires. Most of these machines also have air pressure gauges but it's usually best to have your own.


Materials Needed:

• Air Pressure Gauge

If you need to drive to get air, try to drive less than a mile. To get a PSI reading on your tire, place the air pressure gauge onto the tire's valve stem, the pencil-width air nozzle on the side of the tire. Place the gauge evenly onto the valve stem. Firmly press the gauge down on the valve stem, it will give your gauge a reading, either by blowing out the metered stick with a traditional gauge, or a reading with a digital model gauge.

• To find out what PSI is right for your tires, consult your owner's manual or the sticker on the driver's side door.
• You should never inflate the tires five PSI more or less than what is recommended.
• Under-inflating wears out the sides of the tire, and is actually a driving hazard.
• Over-inflated tires will wear more quickly, and are also dangerous because there are better chances for a blowout.
• Smaller vehicles usually have PSI levels between 30 and 40 PSI.
• Larger vehicles usually have higher pressure, around 45 PSI because they have bigger tires.
• Tires should all be inflated to the same PSI for safety, proper vehicle function, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
• Also, check your vehicle's tire pressure when the tires are cold. This means the tires should not have been driven on for at least three hours.
• To release air (If there is too much) all you have to do is adjust the air hose or gauge and it will release it.

It is important to have your gauge as you fill the tire. Take the hose off every so often to check the pressure.

Photo by: Maria Avila