Gauge It
Proper tire inflation is critical to the safety and performance of your vehicle’s tires. Protection against avoidable breakdowns, improved vehicle handling, better fuel economy, and increased tire life are a few of the reasons to check your tire pressure every month.
SAFETY
Under or over inflation of your car’s tires creates excessive stress and heat. This can lead to tire failure and result in vehicle damage and serious injury/death. Improper tire inflation can cause handling problems including problems with acceleration, braking and steering.
ECONOMY
Your vehicle will run more efficiently with properly inflated tires. With properly inflated tires, an average driver can save the equivalent of two weeks worth of gas every year. Save gas and money with proper tire inflation.
ENVIRONMENT
On average, every gallon of fuel consumed by a vehicle releases over 5 lbs of carbon dioxide into the air. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a major factor in producing the Greenhouse Effect that contributes to climate change. Proper tire inflation promotes better fuel economy, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, proper tire inflation helps tires maximize their potential wear so they do not need to be replaced as often.
MAINTAINING PROPER TIRE PRESSURE
-
Know the Correct Tire Pressure for Your Tires
Locate the proper tire pressure as recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer. This information can found in the owner’s manual or on an information label found on the vehicle door edge, door post, glove box door, or fuel tank door. Please note that the recommended tire pressure for the front and rear tires may be different.
-
Tire Pressure Must be Checked When Tires are Cold
Manufacturer recommended pressures are based on a “cold” reading. This means the tire pressure must be checked before the car has been driven any distance. Once driven, the warm air in the tires produces a higher (and not accurate) PSI reading.
-
Check Tire Pressure
Using an accurate tire gauge, check all tires (including the spare) to ensure they all have the proper air pressure as recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer.
-
Adjust Tire Pressure as Necessary
If the tire pressure is too high, release air by gently pressing on the tire valve stem release with the edge of your tire gauge. Recheck the tire pressure to ensure the tire is inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure. Do not reduce (or bleed) air pressure if the tires are hot and have recently been driven.
If the tire pressure is too low, add the appropriate amount of air to the tire using a tire inflator or air compressor. Recheck the tire pressure to ensure the tire is inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure.
