14/12/2016
AIR PRESSURE: WHAT SHOULD I DO KNOW?
GENERAL GUIDELINES :
Check the pressure of all your tires monthly, including the spare. Even if you don’t see any damage, tires can lose up to 1 psi - pounds per square inch - every month. This can be accelerated by air leaks due to accidental puncture, leaks in the valve or valve cap, or by wheel malfunction.
Check your tire pressure before making a long trip.
For best results, check your tire pressure when tires are cool– before driving the car or if it has covered less than 3 miles at low speed.
If the tire is hot, add 4-5 psi to the car manufacturer's recommended pressure value (0.3 bar) or wait until it has cooled down, which is an average of three hours after parking the car.
Never deflate a hot tire.
HOW DO I CHECK MY TIRE PRESSURE ?
Insert the pressure gauge into the valve stem on your tire.
The gauge will “pop” out and show a number: that's the psi number.
The hissing sound is air escaping the tire. It shouldn’t affect pressure substantially, unless you hold down the air pressure gauge too long.
Compare the measured psi to the recommended psi.
If the psi is above the recommended number, let air out until they match. If it's below, add air until it reaches the proper number.
WHERE CAN I FOUND THE RECOMMENDED PRESSURE FOR MY TIRES ?
In the vehicle owner's manual.
On a sticker on the driver's door or the gas tank door.
Do not use the number on your tire’s sidewall, as this does not indicate the pressure needed in your tire.
ABOUT PRESSURE GAUGES :
Be careful if you are using a pressure gauge provided in gas stations. The pressure gauge is often not reliable.
Buy a high-quality pressure gauge and check its accuracy with a tire professional.
GETTING IT RIGHT IS IMPORTANT :
Under-inflated or over-inflated tires can wear down faster than expected, have reduced grip, and can consume more fuel. It just takes a few minutes a month to help ensure your safety and the longevity of your tires.