Checklist for Checking the Air Pressure in Your Car Tires

 

Everyone should check the air pressure in their tires, unfortunately even though most people know this, few do. It seems rather silly that people complain about the gasoline prices yet do not make sure their tires are properly inflated. Did you know that under inflated tires can cost up 2-4 miles per gallon; it's true and that adds up to a good amount of money each time you fill up. Perhaps, the analogy of flushing money down the toilet is the right one to drive home at this point?

Now then, how do you go about checking the air pressure in your tires? Well, it's simple. Go to the Dollar Store, Walmart, Pep Boys, or any auto parts store and simply buy a little silver tire gauge, the kind that looks like a ballpoint pen with a white measuring stick which pops out, and put it into your glove box. I am actually surprised our government didn't send one to every household in America to help us conserve oil. In any case, use this checklist below for assistance to get this done;

Use your tire pressure gauge at every fill up.

Take the air pressure gauge from your glove box every time you fill up your car, and push it onto the valve stem, after removing that tiny little cap. Make sure that it is the proper pressure.

 

Use your owners Manual, or the side of the tire to find the proper pressure.

You can find the proper pressure one of two places. Either on the tire itself, or in the operations manual (provided these are the same tires that came with the car or duplicates of the same).

 

There may be different inflation pressure recommendations by the manufacturer depending on conditions or load.

Remember that depending on the season or the load you may be carrying, there may be different inflation pressure recommendations by the manufacturer, so pay attention to this.

 

Add air pressure if they are not within 1-2 lbs of the required pressure.

If any of the tires are not within 1-2 lbs of pressure of required, put the proper air pressure in them. Do not rely on the pressure gauges at the gas station on the pressure hose, often they are warn and/or inaccurate. If they look brand new, and read about what you expect, chances are they are okay however.

 

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