PSI

When measuring tire inflation you refer to its PSI, or pounds per square inch. A tire that’s inflated at 35 PSI can lose as much as 1 PSI a month! Do you have a clue as to what your tires’ recommended PSI is? This information can be found in various places. For your factory tires you can look at your vehicle owner’s manual, or on the vehicle’s door jam. In some vehicles it can be found inside the glove compartment door and inside the fuel hatch flap. An important thing to remember is that you need to find the pressure recommended for your vehicle. So, you won’t find it printed on the tire sidewall, as this is just the maximum pressure for that specific tire itself.

To get the most accurate reading of inflation check your tires when cold. This is due to the fact that your tires heat up as you are driving along the road, which causes pressure inside the tires to build up and expand. If your car has an internal tire pressure monitoring system this may also be the reason it indicates a low tire pressure on very cold mornings, then later turns off as the tires warm up.

Staying on top of your tire inflation is an essential part of proper vehicle maintenance. Using air pressure gauges at gas stations is alright if you’re in a jiffy, but chances are that it’s pretty worn and weathered. So, to get the most precise reading of your tires you’ll want to visit your trusted auto repair shop and their ASE certified technicians will be happy to check them for you.

Checking your tires PSI is one thing, but maintaining that level is another. Those tiny valve caps on your tires are extremely valuable to you and your vehicle. Yes, they keep out debris, but also prevent moisture from seeping in, which can lead to corrosion. So, to extend the life of your tires make sure that your valuable valves are tightly in place. Your MPG can increase 3.3 percent when your tires are properly inflated and that every bit of savings counts when it comes to high gas prices.

Your tires are the only thing connecting you to the roadway, so keeping them properly inflated is imperative to a safe and comfortable ride. These tips focus on proper tire inflation, but to get the most out of your tires, stop by our professional auto repair shop. We’ll be happy to check your balance and alignment to make sure you’re safe and driving straight on the roadways.