How to Check Tire Pressure

Types of Tire Pressure Gauges

The first step to checking your tire pressure is to determine the recommended level for your specific make and model. You can usually find this information in both your owner's manual and on the inner part of the driver's-side door. To effectively check your tire pressure, you'll need to have a couple of items on hand, including:

• Tire pressure gauge
• Pen and paper

There are three types of tire pressure gauges you can use: digital, stick, or dial. The best time to check your tire pressure is when your vehicle and tires are cool. This will enable you to get the most accurate reading.

Steps for Checking Tire Pressure

To check your tire pressure, repeat the following steps for each tire before making any necessary adjustments:

1. First, take off the air valve cap sticking out of the tire and store it somewhere secure.
2. Next, push the tire pressure gauge of your choice onto the valve stem for a couple of seconds.
3. After this, your tire pressure gauge will tell you the current PSI level of your tire.
4. Compare this level with the recommended level as outlined for your specific model.

If the levels match up, you can put the air valve cap back on and move onto the next tire. Once you have the PSI levels for each tire, you can adjust them as needed.

How to Inflate Your Tires

If you need to inflate your tires, you have a few options. If you want to do this process at home, you can purchase either a portable air compressor or a higher-level compressor that connects to your car's battery. Another option is to simply go to a gas station where you can pay for air from a tank.

Once you've turned on your air compressor of choice, press the hose directly onto the valve stem until it reaches the correct PSI or slightly above. To double check the tire pressure level, you can use your tire pressure gauge before replacing the cap and moving onto the next tire.

Check Your Tire Pressure Today

Now that you know the basics of how to check your tire pressure, you can get started today. If you need tire repairs or replacements, contact us at Watermark Ford of Marion or search through our selection of new tires online. We look forward to helping you navigate Marion, Herrin, and Carbondale, Illinois, safely for miles to come!