Underinflated tires can cause uneven or premature wear, reduce fuel economy, and even cause a blowout. By learning how to check your tire pressure correctly, you can prevent these issues and ensure your vehicle runs smoothly. In this guide, we'll explain how to check tire pressure accurately.
Why Checking Your Tire Pressure Regularly Is Crucial
Kia Niro driving under the cloudy sky by Hyundai Motor Group is licensed with Unsplash License
Tires naturally lose air over time. On average, a tire loses about 1 psi per month, and temperature changes can affect this even more. Proper car tire inflation can improve fuel efficiency and extend the life of your tires by preventing excessive wear. Underinflated tires can also cause overheating, which leads to blowouts and decreased control. Therefore, ensuring your tires are at the correct pressure improves safety and saves you money on fuel and tire replacements.
Finding the Recommended Tire Pressure for Your Vehicle
To check your tire pressure accurately, you first need to know your vehicle's recommended psi. The correct tire pressure specifications can be found in several places:
- Inside the driver's side door, often on a sticker near the door frame
- In your vehicle's owner's manual
- On the tire itself, although this typically displays the maximum psi, not the recommended psi
Each vehicle model has specific psi recommendations based on the tire size and type, so always refer to your manufacturer's guidelines.
Tools You Need To Check Tire Pressure
Before you start, make sure you have the following tools:
- Tire pressure gauge: Three common types of gauges are stick, dial, and digital. Digital gauges are the easiest to read.
- Air compressor: Air compressors are available at gas stations or for home use to inflate your tires if needed.
Step-By-Step Guide: How To Check Your Tire Pressure
- Start with cold tires: For the most accurate reading, check your tire pressure when your car has been parked for at least three hours or driven less than a mile.
- Remove the valve cap: Unscrew the small cap on your tire's valve stem to access the valve.
- Place the gauge on the valve stem: Firmly press the tire pressure gauge onto the valve stem. You may hear a slight hissing sound as some air escapes, but this should stop once the gauge is on securely.
- Read the gauge: Check the pressure reading on your gauge. Digital gauges will display the number automatically, while for dial or stick gauges, you should note the position of the needle or the extended measurement stick.
- Compare with the recommended psi: Match your reading with the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure. If your tires are underinflated, use an air compressor to add air.
Starting With Cold Tires for Accurate Measurements
To get a precise tire pressure reading, always check your tires when they're cold. As you drive, friction between the tires and the road generates heat, causing the air inside the tires to expand and increase the pressure. This can give you an inflated reading, leading you to believe the pressure is higher than it is. These measurements could result in underinflated tires. To avoid this, check your tire pressure first thing in the morning or after your car has been parked for a few hours.
How To Use a Tire Pressure Gauge Correctly
When using a tire pressure gauge, ensure the tool forms a good seal to avoid losing air. Hold it steady until the reading stabilizes. A digital gauge is typically more precise and user-friendly, while stick and dial gauges may require more practice to interpret correctly.
Interpreting the Readings: Matching With Manufacturer's Recommendations
After getting your tire pressure reading, compare it to the recommended psi from your vehicle's manual or the sticker inside the door. If the reading is lower than the recommendation, your tires are underinflated, and you should add air. If it's higher, you may need to release some air, especially if you're driving in extremely hot conditions.
Inflating Your Tires: The Right Way To Do It
If your tire pressure is below the recommended level, follow these steps to inflate your tires:
- Attach the air hose to the valve stem.
- Use a compressor to add air in short bursts.
- Recheck the pressure with your gauge.
- Repeat as needed until you reach the correct psi.
- Be careful not to overinflate your tires, as this can lead to reduced traction and increased wear in the center of the tread.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System: A Modern Helper
Many modern vehicles, including Kias, have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This system alerts you when the pressure in any tire drops below the recommended level. However, it's still a good idea to check your tire pressure manually, as the TPMS may not notify you about slight variations that can still affect performance and fuel efficiency. If you need any assistance, bring your Kia to our service center for expert advice.
The Impact of Incorrect Tire Pressure
Running on over- or underinflated tires can have serious consequences. Underinflated tires can lead to reduced fuel performance, increased tire wear, and a higher risk of blowouts. Overinflated tires can cause decreased traction, rougher rides, and uneven tire wear. Maintaining the correct air pressure in tires optimizes your vehicle's performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about tire pressure.
How Often Should I Check My Tire Pressure?
Check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips.
What Is the Difference Between Maximum and Recommended Air Pressure?
The maximum psi is the highest amount of air pressure the tire can handle, while the recommended psi is the optimal level for safety, performance, and fuel economy.
Can Weather Conditions Affect Tire Pressure?
For every 10 degrees Fahrenheit change in temperature, tire pressure can increase or decrease by 1 psi. Cold weather typically causes tire pressure to drop, so it's important to check it more often in the winter.
Get Professional Assistance at Huffines Kia Corinth Today
Checking your tire pressure regularly is a simple but essential task for maintaining security, improving fuel efficiency, and extending the life of your tires. By following this guide, you'll know how to check tire pressure correctly, read a gauge accurately, and maintain the proper psi for your vehicle. Don't wait for a dashboard warning — check your tire pressure monthly to keep your car running smoothly. For professional assistance or if you need a tire inspection, contact our service department at Huffines Kia Corinth to schedule an appointment today.