Adjusting tire pressure involves adding air if it's too low or releasing air if it's too high, aiming for your vehicle's recommended PSI.
Steps for Adjusting Tire Pressure
Proper tire pressure is crucial for safety, fuel efficiency, and tire lifespan. Knowing how to adjust it is a simple maintenance task you can perform yourself.
Here's a straightforward guide based on common practices and the provided reference:
- Find the Recommended PSI: This is typically listed on a sticker inside the driver's side doorjamb, in your owner's manual, or sometimes on the fuel filler door. This value is the target pressure for your cold tires (driven minimally or not at all recently).
- Check Current Pressure: Use a tire pressure gauge to measure the current pressure in each tire. Unscrew the valve cap and firmly press the gauge onto the valve stem.
- Compare and Adjust:
- If the pressure is too low: Use an air compressor to add air until it reaches the recommended PSI. Connect the compressor hose to the valve stem and fill in short bursts, rechecking the pressure frequently with your gauge until it matches the recommended level.
- If the pressure is too high: Release air by gently pressing the valve stem with the gauge until the PSI reads at the correct level. You can use the small pin on the back of most tire gauges to do this carefully. Release air in small amounts and recheck frequently.
Adjusting pressure is an iterative process. You may need to add and release air a few times to get it exactly right.
Key Considerations
- Cold Tires: Always check and adjust tire pressure when the tires are cold. Driving heats up tires, increasing pressure.
- All Tires: Check and adjust all four tires, including the spare tire if applicable.
- Gauge Accuracy: Use a reliable tire pressure gauge for accurate readings.
Adjusting tire pressure correctly helps ensure optimal vehicle performance and safety.
