How to Check and Inflate Your Tires
By Pablo Zaldivar · Junior's Auto Repair, Twin Falls, ID
What You'll Need
Find your recommended tire pressure
Don't use the number printed on the tire sidewall — that's the maximum pressure the tire can hold, not what you want to drive on. Instead, check the sticker on the inside of your driver's door jamb, or look in your owner's manual. It'll usually be somewhere between 30 and 36 PSI.
Check tires when they're cold
Tire pressure readings are most accurate when the tires are cold — meaning the car has been sitting for at least a few hours. Driving heats the air inside and raises the pressure, which can make things look fine when they're actually low.
Remove the valve cap from the first tire
Look for the small rubber or metal cap sticking out from the inner rim of the wheel. Twist it off counterclockwise and set it somewhere you won't lose it — a pocket works great.
Press your gauge firmly onto the valve stem
Push the gauge straight on — you want a solid seal so air doesn't leak out. If you hear a hiss, adjust your angle. Your gauge will give you a reading in seconds.
Compare to your target pressure and add air if needed
If the reading is below your target, attach your air hose to the valve stem and add air in short bursts, checking frequently. It's easy to overshoot. If you accidentally over-inflate, use the small pin in the center of the valve stem (or the back of some gauges) to release a little air.
Repeat on all four tires — and don't forget the spare
Work your way around the car. Tires can lose pressure at different rates, so each one needs its own check. Check your spare too — a flat spare is useless when you need it most.
Replace all valve caps
Valve caps keep dirt and moisture out of the valve stem. Don't skip this — it's a small thing that prevents future headaches.
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417 Main Ave E · Twin Falls, ID · Mon–Sat 9am–5pm