Improper air pressure can result in wasted fuel, uneven tire wear, or even tire bursts. To prevent this from happening, it is very important to maintain the correct air pressure in your vehicle's tires. Check the tire pressure every time you refuel to ensure that you are getting the full benefit of the tire, and that your tires are well maintained.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Checking Air Pressure in Tires
Step 1. Look at your vehicle's manual or the instructions on the inside edge of the driver's door, to find out the standard air pressure gauge for your vehicle's tires
This figure is the lowest psi for a person to inflate a tire and is recommended by the manufacturer. Below are some of the reasons tires can be inflated with higher air pressure.
- On most sedans, minibuses, and even mini-pickups, manufacturers usually recommend a psi (pounds per square inch) number between 27-32, but this number can be increased to 40.
- For larger vehicles that carry heavier loads, such as trucks and SUVs, the psi number is generally 4 to 8 degrees higher than for smaller cars, which is around 45.
- Also note that the front and rear tires have different air pressures, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 2. Open the tire valve cover
The tire valve cap is usually black or silver about the size of a pencil circle and is located near the tire rim, approximately 2-3 cm in length.
Step 3. Press the air pressure gauge firmly into the valve cover and check the size indicated
If there is a hissing sound, the gauge is not fully pressed or not tightly enough that the gauge is not correctly marked. The angle of the gauge may need to be adjusted for a tighter fit.
If you're using a digital gauge, you don't necessarily need to press a button for the gauge to read the tire pressure. If you are using a traditional measuring device, the meter needle should show the size automatically
Step 4. Install the tire valve cover
The valve cover doesn't keep the air in the tire, but keeps the inside of the tire's air vent system from getting dirty and damp. This system serves to hold air in the tires.
Note that if the gauge indicated on the gauge matches the instructions in the vehicle manual, this means that you have finished measuring tire pressure. Do this on all tires, according to the correct pressure gauge. If the pressure in the tires is not correct, fill/exhaust your tires. Make sure that you fill according to the recommended pressure gauge
Part 2 of 2: Performance Considerations
Step 1. Be aware that the manufacturer's recommended psi number does not indicate optimal tire performance
For just driving, the manufacturer's specifications may be ideal, but adding a few pounds of pressure to the tires can make the fuel more fuel efficient. Overall, adding a few pounds of psi to your tires might make your ride more bumpy and less enjoyable, so decide this wisely.
An increase in the psi number can also result in uneven tire wear, a longer brake distance, and reduced controllability. Make sure that you don't inflate the tires too much
Step 2. Understand the myths about maximum pressure in the driver's manual or on the inside of the driver's door
One popular misconception is that the maximum pressure recommended by the manufacturer is the pressure that is still allowed, and pressure that exceeds that can cause the tire to burst or malfunction. In fact, the maximum pressure is the pressure the tire can handle the maximum weight.
When you inflate a tire more than the maximum pressure limit, be prepared for a possible malfunction. If your tires have heavy air pressure, going through a pothole at high speed can result in an accident
Step 3. Apply a little extra air to the rear tires if you are carrying extra baggage, passengers, etc
If you carry heavier loads in your car, especially on long trips, don't be afraid to add a little more air pressure than the recommended psi number on the rear tires, to compensate for the added load. When the load has been removed from the car, bleed the air from the rear tires back to standard specifications.
Step 4. Check the air pressure of your tires as the seasons change
Cold weather will reduce air pressure, while hot weather will increase air pressure. So, it is very important to check the air pressure when the seasons change.
Step 5. Never trust your eyes when measuring tire pressure
Do not be lazy. It is very difficult to tell the difference between 10 psi and 20 psi tires, and tires usually look a little bulging on the sides for radial tires. If you inflate the tire until the bulge is gone, you run the risk of over-inflating the tire beyond the condition of the tire, which can improve performance.
Tips
- Car tire air pressure cannot be measured by eye, especially on modern radial tires. Always use an accurate tire pressure gauge.
- Do something if you see the air pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light on in your vehicle. The yellow TPMS indicator on the dashboard will light up if one or more of your tires are under-inflated.
- The sun's rays can heat up the tires, even though they may not be driving. To measure the air pressure in the tires correctly, pay attention to whether one side of the tire is not exposed to the sun.
- Notice if the tires have a speed limit in the form of a letter code. For example, the zr code has a maximum speed of 240 km/h. You can drive faster than that for a bit, but the tires will probably get damaged. Speed limit codes can only be applied to new tires. If the tire has been used for thousands of km and has scratches here and there, the speed limit code cannot be applied.
- The psi number on the side of the tire is the actual maximum pressure rating for the tire when carrying the heaviest load it can bear.
- If the vehicle needs to increase air pressure, pay attention to the pressure before you continue driving. Add pressure as much as the difference required based on the size of the tire pressure indicated at that time. For example, if you want to inflate your tires at 35 psi and the actual size listed is 30 psi, the tire pressure is 5 psi below the recommended figure. Therefore, when you inflate it after driving and now the tire size is 33 psi, adjust the pressure to 38 psi. Thus, the psi number that will be listed is 35 psi.
- Add the air pressure from the actual recommended figure, if the car will be carrying heavy loads or being driven at high speed (113 km/h) for a long period of time.
Warning
- Over-inflated tires (as described above regarding the maximum actual air pressure in the tires located on the sides of the tires) make the vehicle sensitive to waves (rocks/pots) and more easily damaged if hit by potholes or other objects on the road.
- Under-inflated tires will protrude on the sides (a little flat) thereby increasing stopping distance, consuming more fuel and shortening their service life. Sometimes the tire can pop due to overheating due to the wide bulge on the side, and can come off during a sharp turn in an emergency. Tires that are not inflated on the sides will wear out quickly because they are compressed between the rim and the road surface.
- Don't trust the gauges at the gas station. This tool has experienced frequent problems (falling onto the road, being run over, etc.) and may not be calibrated properly/regularly. Always use your own measuring tool to find out the most appropriate size.
