Feeling tired lately? Slow, and not agile? Maybe it feels mushy in the middle? Life is hard, for a tire. Don't worry - we'll tell your owner to pump and groom you, until your look is perfect to start spinning on the road! Did you know that inflating tires according to specifications will prevent tires from popping, and also increase fuel economy? See below:
Step
Step 1. Take a tire pressure gauge
You can get it at auto parts stores like NAMA, AutoZone, Checker, Kragen etc., or big supermarkets like WalMart, Costco, Target etc.
- The tool is in the shape of a metal pencil and has a ruler-like rod sticking out of it, to display tire pressure. The writing may be small and difficult to understand, but the tool is cheap and "good enough"
- Tools with needles are more accurate, showing clearly the current tire pressure.
- The digital measuring instrument has a very clear LCD display.
Method 1 of 3: Check Tire Pressure
Step 1. Find out the recommended tire pressure
You can find it in your car's manual, or on a sticker affixed to the door near the driver, or in the drawer.
- Tire pressure can be the same or different for each tire, depending on the type of your car.
- Generally, tire pressure is between 28-36 PSI, or 195-250 kPa.
- You can also find the maximum tire pressure limit on the tire wall, but only use this if you can't find the gauge coming from your car. Maximum does not mean the best.
Step 2. Check the pressure when the tire is cold
Hot air will expand and give incorrect/higher tire pressure information.
Step 3. Open the valve cap
A valve is an object that protrudes from a wheel rim. Open the lid, and place it in a safe place so it doesn't get lost.
Step 4. Install the measuring tool
Press the tip of the measuring tool to the nipple evenly. There may be a hissing sound due to air escaping, so press firmly until the hissing sound disappears. Read the pressure indicated by the tool.
If the tire pressure is correct, replace the valve cap and check the other tires. Repeat this step for all wheels as well as the spare tire. If the spare tire is flat, it's useless to have it
Method 2 of 3: Inflating Tires
Step 1. Locate the pump
If you want to pump and don't have a compressor - most people don't have one - go to the nearest gas station. Make sure you have some cash with you, as pumping a tire for a few minutes costs $1 or more.
A useful tool at your disposal is a portable pump, available anywhere a tire pressure gauge is sold
Step 2. Open the valve cap on the pump
This cap is the same as the end of the tire pressure gauge.
Step 3. Turn on the compressor
It may take the form of a button if using a home compressor, or insert a coin into the tire inflator. There will be a hissing sound.
Step 4. Position the inflator rod on the valve, press it firmly, as you would check tire pressure, and squeeze the infill trigger
If a strong hissing sound appears, press it again until the sound disappears or decreases.
- Your tire's level of flatness will determine how long you have to inflate it. In general, the air intake rod on the compressor will have an air pressure indication. This may not be accurate but it can serve as a benchmark for you.
- As you approach your desired air pressure, use your pressure gauge to check, and if it's not enough, add back air and stop every 5 seconds and check again, or reduce if it's too loud.
Step 5. Replace the valve cap
When all tires have been properly inflated, replace the valve caps and apply to all tires and spare tyre.
If you have to drive several miles to reach the inflator, your tires will heat up and the pressure will increase. If you need an additional 10 psi of air, add 10 psi regardless of what number the gauge shows when you get to the tire pump. Check again a few hours later as the tires cool, to make sure they are accurate
Method 3 of 3: For Bikes
Step 1. Purchase a bicycle tire pressure gauge
A car tire gauge will not give a precise indication of bicycle tires.
Step 2. Use a hand pump
Follow the instructions above, including checking the pressure when the wheels are cold, and following your bike's manual.
Step 3. Check the pressure before you start cycling
Because of their size, bicycle wheels will react more quickly to ambient temperatures, and pressure will decrease when the air is cold. Every time the temperature drops 10°, the tire pressure will drop by about 2%.
For example, if you start cycling during the day and the pressure is 100 psi and the temperature is 90, then when you are at home and the temperature is 60, your tire pressure will be around 94 psi - quite a change
Step 4. Do not pump too hard
Tires that spin smoothly on a flat road, will feel too hard when on a damaged road. To increase traction on wet roads, subtract 10 psi.
Tips
- Things you should pay attention to if this is your first time inflating tires. The pump engine usually works in a short time, about 3 minutes. So, unscrew the valve first, and park your car near the pump to save time.
- On average, tires will lose 1 psi per month, so make sure you check once a month.
- Pay attention to how to use the pump engine. Usually at the end of the slant there will be a tube that you must press on the valve and there is a handle that must be pressed to channel the air. If you release the handle, a gauge will appear and show the current pressure. You have to keep pressing it until the desired tire pressure is reached.
Warning
- Carefully inflate the tires. If it is too tight, your tires can wear out faster in the middle, and affect safety and comfort. Under-inflated tires will cause creases in the tires, causing overheating and the risk of bursting. It also causes the car to roll over on tall cars such as SUVs. Lack of pressure also accelerates tire wear and wastes fuel. Be aware that tires generally have a maximum pressure limit above the specifications listed on the car.
- Due to the limited time in the filling bin, it is better to overfill and then you can reduce later.
- Do not use a high pressure compressor to inflate bicycle tires as they may burst.
- Sometimes, the gauge at the end of the hose on the pump engine is not easy to see at night. Bring your own measuring instrument.
- Due to rough use in pump engines located at gas stations, the pressure gauge may not be accurate. So it is recommended that you use your own tool.
