Mundane Task of Inflating Tires
Greetings from the Hemet Car Guy,
While it may seem like a mundane task, inflating tires is much more crucial to your car than you may
think, and it results in a safer and more economical experience on the road. Your vehicle's handling also
will be greatly improved as the larger a tire's inflated footprint, the more responsive and comfier the
ride balance will be.
Before starting:
To find your tires' proper inflation level, look for a sticker on the driver-side doorjamb. It displays the
vehicle weight restriction and tire information. The info is also found in the maintenance or car-care
section of your vehicle’s owner's manual.
Don't refer to the sidewall markings on your tires, which in part specifies the maximum tire pressure —
not the recommended pressure.
Unless your tire is visibly flat, don't judge tire inflation just by looking at it; you have to use a tire
pressure gauge to get the correct pounds per square inch reading. There are three types of tire-pressure
gauges: digital, internal slide and dial. Prices range from $5 for a basic gauge to more than $30 for one
that is digital, has an air-release button — or even talks. All will do the job, but you may want to
consider the conditions in which you'll be using your gauge. "We've found that low-cost digital
pressure gauges are very accurate and maintains the accuracy longer, they also work great in our warm
climate” according to Cory Wilson manager of Ramona Tire on Menlo street in Hemet.
Tips for checking and filling your tires:
Tire manufacturers suggest checking tires when they're cold for the most accurate reading. Outside
temperatures can cause tire pressure to vary by as much as 1 psi per 10 degrees; higher temperatures
mean higher psi readings. "Tires are black; what does black do? Attract heat," Wilson said, noting the
importance of finding a shady place to check and fill all four tires.
Temperature plays a huge part in tire psi, Wilson said, adding that the most crucial time of year to
check pressure is in fall and winter when days are shorter and average temperatures plummet.
Check your tires in the morning before going anywhere because as soon as you get behind the wheel
for an extended amount of time, psi will rise. Wilson said that if you've been on the road a long time
and notice higher psi in your tires, don't let the air out, as the increase in pressure has built up due to the
warm, constantly-in-motion tires.
What to do:
1. Pull your car onto a level surface in the shade.
2. Remove dust caps from the tires' valve stems.
3. Using your tire gauge, firmly press the tip of the gauge straight on to the tire's valve stem for a brief
moment.
4. The tire gauge should provide a psi reading; if the number seems unrealistically low or high — for
example, 85 psi or 1 psi – you will need to repeat the previous step, ensuring that the tire gauge's tip is
properly making contact with the valve stem.
5. If the tire gauge's recorded reading is higher than the manufacturer-recommended rating, press the
gauge tip on the valve stem until you hear air leak out. Check the tire pressure again.
6. If the reading is lower than recommended, fill the tire with air by firmly pressing the air-hose tip
onto the valve stem. You will hear air quietly enter the tire. If you hear air leaking or spraying out, you
need to double-check that the connection between the air hose and the tire’s valve stem is secure.
7. When you think you've added or let out enough air, check the pressure a few times with the gauge.
8. Replace the valve dust caps. Wilson emphasized the importance of keeping dust caps on. For
example, during winter driving if water gets into the valve stem and freezes inside the tire, it could
cause a flat. I'll remember this when I go to the mountains.
While you're at it, check your spare tire's pressure. You don't want to have a flat tire and then find out
your replacement is flat, too.
Make these steps part of your routine. It will benefit your vehicle and your wallet.
Hope this helps.
Good Driving,
“The Hemet Car Guy”
For more information go to: www.hemetcarguy.info