The valve stem is a small metal or rubber piece that protrudes from the tire and helps to regulate air flow in and out of the tire. On the other hand, a digital gauge is much easier to read. This means that you CANNOT check tire pressures when a unit rolls into the shop right off the road. [] Ideally, the tire air pressure in cold weather should be between 30 and 35 PSI. Your tires endure a lot of stress on the road. Well, let us guide you through everything you need to know about tire pressure. Leaky valve systems, low leaking punctures, and other often hidden damage can also decrease air pressureall the more reason to check your tires regularly. Tire pressure gauges provide the most accurate readings when checking tire pressure. However, to go about this process, you must know how to properly inflate your tires. The second is ECU illuminating the TPMS light on your dashboard, indicating something is wrong with the sensors. If your TPMS light illuminates while your car is in operation, youll need to check your tire pressure as soon as possible. And check your tires monthly to maximize tire health and spot problems early. As seasons change and temperatures fluctuate, you'll likely experience varying levels of PSI. So theoretically, your tires could lose 4 PSI over the weekend if the temperature drops by 20! If you want to prevent the light's appearance in the first place, Lancaster says there are a couple of things you can do: Jason Lancaster of AccurateAutoAdvice notes that the TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) came into being because of the Ford-Firestone tire scandal, where low tire pressure in Ford Explorers caused them to roll over. Low tire pressure can change how your cars weight sits on top of the tires, leading to increased drag and louder road noise. WebProper tire pressure helps you avoid premature tire replacement. February 27, 2022. Are your tires visibly flattened? If the fault clears after driving several miles they are still underinflated as the specified psi is for cold tires. Ever been told you should let your car idle on a cold day? You can read the psi levels by checking the measurements etched into the bar. You should adjust the PSI value accordingly, depending on the temperature. Combat inconvenient repair costs by learning how weather affects your tires and what you can do to keep them in excellent working condition. If driving in areas with fluctuating temperatures, you may have tolet air out of the tire to prevent tire overinflation in low temperatures. All Rights Reserved. Logged in members get lower prices, exclusive sale and coupon codes. Because of this, the correct psi levels offer a bit of wiggle room for air pressure. How Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Work. If youre not sure, try our recommended tire pressure tool. Just like with low tire pressure, driving with high tire pressure has its consequences. The fastest and easiest way to find your cars tire pressure is to check the label you can find near the door lock when you open the drivers door. Friction between the road surface and the tyre cause heat to build up, as does the flexing of the rubber tread and sidewall as the wheel turns and the weight of the vehicle is supported on different parts of the tyre. Add air until you reach your recommended tire pressure, or visit your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care and we'll inflate your tires for you. We'll take it from there. Never drive on overinflated tires. If tire pressure is too low or too high, your tire performance may become compromised increasing the likelihood of various safety concerns. A pinhole leak will cause air to seep out of the tire slowly. Your TPMS comes on after youve been driving for 15-20 minutes. Typically, your tire pressure is around 32 to 35 PSI: when it is hot, the value increases between 4 and 6 PSI. Tire pressure should be checked in the morning before the vehicle has been driven. When you use a standard or manual tire pressure gauge, the air pressure inside the tire will push out a bar from the gauge's bottom. 1; Thats why every Midas Touch Courtesy Check 2 includes a tire pressure check. Help keep yourself and your passengers safe by closely monitoring tire pressure variations with temperature changes. For every 10 degrees Fahrenheit temperature hike, the tires gain 1 PSI, translating to roughly 4 to 6 PSI for typical summer driving. Cold means that the tire is the same temperature as the outside air, and has not heated up from traveling. A good psi for tires can only be measured before the tires are in use, as If there's a hissing sound when you insert the gauge, it may not be properly seated on the valve stem. A tire pressure between 4 and 6 PSI above the recommended tire pressure is ideal for warm tires. There are two types of gauges available for purchase. A good gauge shouldn't set you back more than $15a worthwhile investment for a longer life for your tires. Lower or higher than recommended tire pressure is dangerous and could lead to premature tire wear. The maximum pounds per square inch (PSI) is your cars recommended tire pressure. A digital tire pressure gauge will provide accurate readings, but dont forget that it operates on a battery. What's your tire pressure? The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a system that monitors the tire pressure and alerts the driver when its low. Compare that to your vehicle's recommended PSI. The cap is usually black or silver and has a small hole in it. It's the water vapor that causes the big pressure drops," Lancaster says. So taking a look at your tire's pressure at least once a month, or whenever there is a decent temperature variation, is certainly recommended. Press down on the tire with your hand to see how soft it is. While a pressure gauge is more accurate, these methods will still give you a good estimate and guide you in the right direction. Summer and winter tire pressure requirements are different because of the different weather conditions. If you do not own an air pump and have to fill up your tires at a gas station, aim to top off the tires 4 psi above the recommended cold max psi. The tires should be "cold" to give the most accurate reading. Tire pressure is a fundamental part of tires and how they work. How much pressure should a spare tire have? WeTryTires.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Age is also a factor. You may need to hold it for a few seconds. WebTire pressures must be checked at least once a month and before long trips, when tires are cold (before operation, cool to the touch). However, if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions or do a lot of driving, its best to check it more often. But though it can be tempting to ignore that blinking light and go on your merry way, he advises against it. Often, drivers see a sudden uptick in notifications when the weather turns chilly. You can do it right at home or at the gas station. For a safe high speed performance, the tires must have excellent durability. PSI imbalance can also lead to premature wear, high replacement costs, and poor fuel efficiency. On average, drivers can save 2 cents a gallon, which adds up to $240 over 12,000 miles. Winter tires, for example, have a much higher tire pressure than regular tires. Ignoring this warning can cause undue wear on the tire and even a blowout, which could be dangerous to you and other drivers on the road. On your tire pressure check, the values should be between 32 to 35 PSI if it is cold. The main issue with high tire pressure is that it can cause the tire to wear down in the middle more quickly. WebWatch on. How to Check Tire Pressure and Put Air in Tires | Cars.com You might very well have a tire with a hole in it, so it's always smart to check.". Setting desired air pressure is simple with the digital gauge, and the auto shutoff provides accurate inflation. Driving with properly inflated tires is essential to keeping your vehicle running smoothly. The tires are considered to be cold when they have the same temperature as the surrounding (ambient) air. should You can find the recommended tire pressure for your specific car in the owners manual or on a sticker inside the drivers door. Factors that can affect tire pressure include: Most tire and vehicle manufacturers recommend checking your tire's pressure each month, as they can lose multiple pounds of pressure within that time from simple daily use. If possible, check the tires once more the next morning. Youll get a more accurate reading if you check the pressure when the tires are cold, before the outside temperature rises and the tires are exposed to direct sunlight. Michelin recommend waiting two hours after a journey before you check tyre pressures unless the journey was only a couple of miles at low speed. Thats why Bridgestone DriveGuard tires are masterfully engineered to keep you moving for up to 50 miles at speeds up to 50 MPH without disruption. Compare over 50 top car insurance quotes and save. Either you can check tire pressure on the tire's sidewall, where it states "MAX PRESS" or look for the info in your car. But Dont Rely on the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) You should always check your tires manually to insure you, your passengers, and vehicle safety. The expansion results in higher volumes, and you need more pressure to inflate the tires adequately. There are a couple options available to check tire pressure including: Now that weve gone over the basics of tire pressure, lets walk through how to check your tire pressure step by step. Thus, less air equals less well-filled tires. If you are lost, use the tire air pressure chart. Measurement units are etched into the bar. Most of the time, its hard to spot or identify an under or over inflate tires. In warmer temperatures, air molecules move quickly and spread out more taking up more physical space. However, both tire and automotive manufacturers have made it easy to find information about optimum tire pressure levels for your specific vehicle. Its generally recommended to check tire pressure at least once a month. It can also make your car less fuel-efficient because the tire isnt able to roll as smoothly. When this concept plays out inside your tires, it can affect your tire pressure. Need to learn how to check your tire(s) PSI? There are just a few steps you need to learn whether your tires are running on correct, too low, or too high tire pressure levels. In addition, it's important to check pressure as temperatures heat up. Tire Pressure When inflating the tires when hot, the ideal pressure is 36 to 41 PSI for standard passenger vehicles, with a cold tire pressure of 32 to 35 PSI. By continuing to browse our website, you agree to use these cookies. When psi levels drop below the recommended pressure, tires start to experience some unpleasant issues related to under-inflation. How does cold weather affect tire inflation? As a rule of thumb, when the temperature decreases by 10C, tire pressure drops between 0.07 to 0.14 bars or 1 to 2 pounds per square inch (PSI).Furthermore, if you live in or travel to a location where there is high elevation, tire pressure is further reduced with every added meter of altitude. You can find battery-operated digital gauges, or more traditional stick-type gauge found at most gas stations. In cold weather, tires can lose even more. However, you should never solely rely on your TPMS indicator, they can be faulty. If your tire pressure is low, find your nearest air pump. The surrounding temperature is a significant determinant of the inflation levels to preventtire damage.