In support of National Tire Safety Week, we are sharing some video tips and best practices for vehicle safety. To help you do your PART (Pressure, Alignment, Rotation, Tread), here is some information on proper tire inflation or pressure.
Underinflation is a tire’s #1 Enemy. It results in unnecessary tire stress, irregular wear, loss of control and accidents. A tire can lose up to half of its air pressure and not appear to be flat! It’s important to have the proper air pressure in your tires, as underinflation may lead to tire failure. The right amount of air for your tires is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and is shown on the vehicle door edge, door post, glove box door or fuel door. It is also listed in the owner’s manual.
- When you check the air pressure, make sure the tires are cool – meaning they are not hot from driving even a mile. (NOTE: If you have to drive a distance to get air, check and record the tire pressure first and add the appropriate air pressure when you get to the pump. It is normal for tires to heat up and the air pressure inside to go up as you drive. Never “bleed” or reduce air pressure when tires are hot.)
- Remove the cap from the valve on one tire.
- Firmly press a tire gauge onto the valve.
- Add air to achieve recommended air pressure.
- If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the valve with a fingernail or the tip of a pen. Then recheck the pressure with your tire gauge.
- Replace the valve cap.
- Repeat with each tire, including the spare. (NOTE: Some spare tires require higher inflation pressure.)
- Visually inspect the tires to make sure there are no nails or other objects embedded that could poke a hole in the tire and cause an air leak.
- Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities. NOTE: Air pressure in a tire goes up (in warm weather) or down (in cold weather) 1-2 pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change.
It’s that simple! Once you get into the routine, this 5 minute exercise will save you gas money and future aggravation. If you are unsure about the tire pressure or condition of your tires, please stop by any of the convenient Dunn Tire locations.