Tires are often overlooked when it comes to car maintenance. Regular pressure checks play an important role in keeping your car running smoothly. Tires don’t last forever, but you can lengthen the life of your tires by following these tips.

Tires are often overlooked when it comes to car maintenance. Regular pressure checks play an important role in keeping your car running smoothly. Tires don’t last forever, but you can lengthen the life of your tires by following these tips.

Checking Your Tire Pressure

Most tire manufacturers recommend checking your tire pressure with cold tires if possible. The best way to do this is to check your tire pressure first thing in the morning before driving on them.

1). Find the tire pressure specified for your car. Sometimes the front and rear tires require different pressure levels. You can find this information on your driver’s side door jam or in the owner’s manual.

2). Use a good quality tire pressure gauge. You can find an accurate gauge for just a few dollars. Remove the valve cap from one of the tires and press the tire gauge onto the valve stem. You may hear a hiss as you press down. It will only take a moment before the tire gauge provides a reading. Repeat the process for all four tires.

3). Compare the tire pressure readings to your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure.

If you cannot find your car’s specific tire pressure recommendations or you are unsure of what kind of pressure gauge to buy, contact us! We are happy to help you with this.

Filling Your Tires

You can refill your tires at home with an air compressor or use one at a gas station. Each air compressor is different so you’ll want to read the instructions to be sure you’re using it correctly.

1). Remove valve cap and place hose fitting down on top of valve stem. Press the lever – you should be able to feel air flow and hear the tire filling.

2). When you think you’ve added enough, re-check your tire pressure using your pressure gauge. Don’t worry if you have overfilled your tire a bit, you can always let air out! Replace valve cap.

3). Repeat for all four tires.

Be sure to fill each tire to the pressure specified by the manufacturer. By checking your car’s tire pressure each month you can increase the life of your tires and improve your overall fuel economy. Properly inflated tires perform better, making your ride safer, smoother, and more comfortable. Ready to learn more? Get in touch with our tire professionals and our staff will help guide you through any questions you might have.