How to Check Tire Pressure

It is recommended that you check your tire pressure at least once a month to ensure that they are properly inflated. Underinflation and over-inflation cause tread wear and reduces the life of your tires.

Checking tire pressure is simple to do and yet it has long-term effects. To begin you will need a tire gauge an air compressor and paper and pen. Most tire pressure gauges work mechanically, allowing the pressure in your tires to push a bar out of the tire gauge along a graduated scale that measures pressure in pounds per square inch or (psi). Other gauges measure psi through digital technology. There are air compressors out there that work off your vehicle’s 12-volt battery, some that plug into your home’s electric outlets and there are many gas stations that offer the use of a compressor for a small price or free. Here is how to check your tires’ air pressure with a gauge

Steps to Check Air Pressure on Tires

1. It is recommended that you check your tire pressure when the tires of your vehicle are cold. The car should be sitting for at least 3 hours. If your tires are “hot” it is not a problem, you can add up to four psi to compensate for recommended psi.
2. Check the manufacturer’s tire pressure recommendation. This can be found in your vehicle’s operator’s manual, or you can look at the door jamb on the driver’s side for the information sticker that is usually found there.
3. Some vehicles have a different psi rating for the front tires and the back tires. Check the recommendations for psi and write them down so that you are not confused when walking around the vehicle.
4. Remove the valve cap from the tire and seat the gauge firmly over the valve stem, pushing down until the hissing sound stops. Once seated your tire’s psi will be indicated. If it is below recommended pressure, add air in 10-60 second intervals checking after each attempt until the psi falls within recommended parameters. Remember not to overfill your tire pressure unless they are “hot” and then add no more than four psi over the recommended pressure to compensate for temperature. Even then once your vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours recheck the psi. If it is too full many gauges have a nub on the back that will allow you to release some pressure.
5. Repeat the procedure for each of your tires as needed.

Premier Nissan of Fremont knows the importance of your tires and we invite you to bring your vehicle by for a tire pressure check and evaluation. Our certified technicians will check your tire pressure and add air if needed. They can even advise you if there is a problem with your tires and get you a good deal on a new set if your tires are damaged or worn out. Come by Premier Nissan of Fremont and let us get you safely back on the road.