What You Need to Know About Tire Pressure for Your Vehicle
The tire pressure of your vehicle’s tires is an essential factor in your car's overall safety and performance. Maintaining the correct tire pressure will help your vehicle run more efficiently, save gas money, and maximize your tires' lifespan.
With so many different types of cars and sizes of tires, it’s hard to know exactly what tire pressure is optimal for your vehicle. Newer vehicles have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that helps give you peace of mind about your tire pressure.
However, if you don’t have a built-in system or need to know the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle, there are simple ways to find out.
What Should My Tire Pressure Be?
The optimal tire pressure for your car is based on the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. You can find the manufacturer’s recommendations on the edge of the door, in the glove box, on the door jamb, or in your owner’s manual.
The manufacturer will recommend the tire pressure, in PSI, for the front, rear, and spare tires. Even after you’ve purchased new tires, the tire pressure recommendations will remain the same between trusted tire manufacturers unless you change the overall size of the tire.
When checking your tire pressure, you should use a tire pressure gauge and check the pressure first thing in the morning or at least a few hours after the car has cooled down after being driven. It is recommended that you check your tire pressure at least once a month.
Signs You Need to Adjust Your Tire Pressure
Steering problems
Inadequate tire pressure can also affect your car’s steering and maneuverability. If you notice that it is harder than normal to steer your vehicle, or your car leans to one side while driving, you may need to have the tire pressure adjusted.
Below-average fuel economy
If your vehicle’s fuel economy is below average or has significantly changed recently, your tire pressure may be the culprit. Underinflated tires require your car’s engine to use more power and gasoline to go the same distance.
Flapping noises
As you’re driving, if you hear a flapping noise repeatedly, you may need more air in your tires, or you may have a flat tire. The tires will flap if they are underinflated as the rubber hits the road.
Underinflation vs. Overinflation: What’s the Difference?
Underinflation and overinflation can both cause issues with your tires and affect the overall lifespan of the tires. If your tires are underinflated or below the recommended PSI, they can wear faster, and they may also overheat. An overinflated tire has too much air pressure and can lead to a blowout.
There are safety concerns with over and underinflated tires. In addition, the longevity of your tires decreases without the right pressure.
How to Check Your Tire Pressure
Checking your tire pressure is simple, and there are several different tools to do so. Some cars are equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The TPMS will display the tire pressure of your tires and may also alert you if they need more or less pressure.
You can also use a stick-type pressure gauge, dial pressure gauge, or digital pressure gauge. All of these require that you physically check the pressure of each tire individually. To use these types of gauges, you put the pressure gauge into the valve stem to measure your tire's PSI. Remember to put the valve cap back on after you check your tire pressure.
If your tire pressure needs to be adjusted, most gas stations or auto shops have an air compressor for tire inflation. If you’re worried about the quality of your tires or if you think they need further inspection, you can take your vehicle to your local Mavis.
Trust Mavis for All Your Tire Needs
You don’t need to check your tire pressure every time you drive, but if you notice any signs of inadequate tire pressure or if you’re heading out for a long road trip, you should check to see if your tire pressure is within the manufacturer’s recommendation.
When you take your car in for a full inspection, you should also have them check your tire pressure. Your tire pressure will ebb and flow based on the outside temperature and how long you’ve been driving at a specific time.
Proper tire pressure will help you drive safely, improve fuel efficiency, and extend the life of your tires. For great deals on tires or if you have concerns about the tire pressure on your current tires, head to Mavis for all your tire needs or schedule an appointment today.