Fall is here and that means a lot of things are changing like the pressure in your tires. Proper tire maintenance is important for many reasons but the number one reason is to keep you safe on the road. Tire maintenance is usually forgotten about but you should be checking your tire’s pressure frequently and more often when temperatures begin to drop. This week we are going in-depth with why you should check, when to check, and how. Let’s get started!

Why is it important:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that under-inflated tires have a higher risk of damage and failure on the roadway. Not only will they wear out at a faster pace, but faster deterioration can increase the chances of tire blowouts, collisions, and reduced control. Gas mileage will also decrease by .2% for every one PSI (pound per square inch) that your tire pressure drops below the recommended level. You could even save up to 3% in gas mileage by keeping your tires properly inflated, depending on your driving habits and vehicle, of course.  

When to check:

Even a set of brand new tires can lose air, factors that affect tire pressure include:

• Extreme temperatures; hot and cold.
• Driving long distances.
• Towing or carrying added weight inside your vehicle.

Many tire and vehicle manufacturers recommend checking your tire’s pressure at least once a month, as daily use can cause your tires to lose multiple pounds of pressure. Whether the temperatures are increasing or decreasing, it’s important to check because tires react quickly to temperature changes and can lose pressure without you notice it happening. In addition, leaky valve systems, low leaking punctures, and other hidden damage can decrease air pressure yet another reason to check your tires.

How to check:

Checking your tire’s air pressure is easy, whether you choose to do it at home or at the gas station, it should only take a few minutes. Always check when your tires are cold or before you head out for a day full of driving; this will give you the most accurate reading. If you don’t own a tire pressure gauge, buy one. And, a good one at that. Here’s how to check your tire’s pressure:

• Remove the end caps on your tires’ air valves
• Place the tire pressure gauge into the valve stem and press down to get a reading
• Check the reading and compare to the recommended PSI for your vehicle and tires.
• If the reading is above the recommended PSI, press on the valve to let some air out. If the PSI reading is below, fill your tire with air until you reach the correct level.