subject: Get The Right Tire Pressure For Safety [print this page] As you travel down the road, you might be thinking about the upcoming day or reliving the day you just experienced. Were you even paying attention to the metal looking thing that you just ran over with your tires? Hopefully you were and could have avoided it. Or else if your tires were at the correct tire pressure, then it might not have mattered anyway. But if you didn't swerve and the tires were set too low, then you might have also heard a loud pop and immediately jerk over to the side of the road to investigate. The answer will probably be a flat tire. Not having the right tire pressure could make your tire susceptible to things lying in the road that they shouldn't be.
Know Your Correct Pressure
Even if you aren't an ASE master technician, you can find out what the correct tire pressure should be in each tire. The first place to look is in the owner's manual of the vehicle. If you are still on the original tires, the adequate pressure will be listed in the section of the tires. When you go to a service station, they will also be able to tell with a little trick displayed on the tires.
For the vehicle that has gotten new tires or one without an owner's manual, there is still a way to check the pressure. Look at the tire! There will be a lot of letters and numbers on the outside of the tire, raised so that you can read it. Depending on the tire brand will determine exactly where the pressure is listed, but it will be on the tire. With it stamped right in, there isn't a question when it gets to the shop or if you are checking it at the gas stations by yourself.
Fix the Pressure
To get the pressure where it should be, you will need to be by an air compressor. Measure the air pressure before you start so you can gauge how much you will need to add. Is it just a little? Do you require a lot of air? Hold the nozzle directly over the stem and press the air in. Go slowly so you don't overinflate the tires, as too much air can be just as dangerous as too little air. Once you have added a bit of air in, then check with the pressure nozzle and see how close you are. Either add more air or secure the cap over the stem and get on with your day.
Problems with the Wrong Tire Pressure
The wrong tire pressure, both too much and too little can cause a lot of problems with your tires. Both can make your tire susceptible to punctures while out driving on the road. It would be easier for a nail or a sharp object to embed in to the tire material when it is not set correctly. The wrong tire pressure can also affect the mileage of your car in a negative way. When the tires are working harder to stay on the road, it uses up more gas, costing you a bit of money. Since getting the right tire pressure is free, there isn't any excuse not to do it!
