How to Use A Tire Pressure Gauge: Tips To Prevent Your Tire From Going Flat

How to Use A Tire Pressure Gauge: Tips To Prevent Your Tire From Going Flat

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You probably know that under-inflated tires are dangerous and can lead to a blowout on the road. After all, who hasn’t seen the “VISUALLY CHECK YOUR TIRE PRESSURE BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME” message before? Most drivers know that keeping your tire pressure between the recommended range is essential for safe driving.

However, knowing how much air is in your tires and how much air you should have isn’t always easy. Do you know when you need to add more air? Do you know what kind of tire pressure gauge to use and how to operate it? Here’s everything you need to know about using a tire pressure gauge in your car!

What Is A Tire Pressure Gauge?

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A tire pressure gauge is a tool used to measure the amount of air pressure inside tires. They are small, handheld devices with a built-in dial or digital readout that records the tire’s PSI (pounds per square inch). There are two main types of tire pressure gauges: analog and digital. An analog gauge has an old-school dial with a needle that indicates tire pressure. A digital gauge shows the tire pressure in numbers, usually in PSI, BAR or kPa. Both types of gauges can be used to determine if your tire pressure is low or high and if you need to add or remove air from a tire.

Some gauges also have a PSI conversion button, allowing you to switch between measurements in Pounds per Square Inch (PSI) and Bar (BAR). There are three types of tire pressure gauges: Hand operated, stick operated, and digital. The type you choose is up to you, but be sure it’s been tested and approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

How To Use A Tire Pressure Gauge?

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First, ensure the tire pressure gauge is clean, clear and without any debris inside the gauge. Make sure you are wearing gloves when handling the tire pressure gauge to avoid oil from your hands coming in contact with the tire pressure gauge. Now, select the proper gauge for the type of tire you are measuring.

For example, if you are filling up a truck tire with a large diameter, you’ll want to use a large gauge. Be careful not to bend the stem of the tire pressure gauge while inserting it into the tire as this can bend the stem and make it inaccurate. Now, pump air into the tire until the tire pressure gauge shows the correct pressure for that tire. Make sure to check the pressure for the front and back tires as well as the spare tire.

Why Is Checking Tire Pressure So Important?

Keeping your tires at the right inflation pressure is one of the most important aspects of car maintenance. If the air inside your tire is too low, the tire will be under increased stress, which can cause it to overheat, lead to a blowout, or fail. Low tire pressure can also cause you to lose control of your car if you are driving on a wet or slippery road.

Now, when you check your tire pressure, make sure to use a good tire gauge. Some cheaper gauges can cause the pressure readings to be inaccurate. It’s also important to check your tire pressure more than once a year. Even though you’re checking it, your tires can lose air over time.

How To Find The Correct PSI For Your Tires Using A Gauge?

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If you want to know what PSI is recommended for your car, you can consult your car’s manual. There will usually be a recommended PSI range for optimal performance and safety. Usually, the front tires have a higher PSI than the rear tires, as they have more weight to carry and are driven more often. The spare tire may also have a different PSI than the other tires.

Now that you know the recommended PSI for your tires, you can use the gauge to find out what PSI your tires are actually at. The recommended PSi for your tires will vary depending on weather conditions, your driving style, and other factors. In general, it’s safe to assume the recommended PSI is somewhere between 30-50% lower during the winter months.

Tips On Using Tire Pressure Gauge

  • Be sure to use a gauge that is calibrated and approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT). This will ensure that the gauge is accurate and safe to use.
  • If your tires are underinflated, they will be less responsive, which can be dangerous when driving. If your tires are overinflated, they can be more responsive, which can also be dangerous.
  • Make sure to check your tire pressure more than once a year, especially if you live in a climate where the seasons change. Tires lose air over time due to various factors, so it’s important to keep an eye on your tire pressure and make sure it’s where it should be.
  • If you find your tire pressure is low, don’t add too much air at once as this can cause the tire to overinflate. Instead, add a small amount of air every day until the PSI is correct.
  • If your tire pressure is too high, you can deflate it at home to a more optimal pressure.
  • Be careful when using a tire pressure gauge on tires with a plastic wheel. This can cause the gauge to break, which can be dangerous.
  • If your tire is significantly under-inflated, use the air pump at the gas station to add air until the PSI is correct. Driving on an under-inflated tire can cause significant damage and could lead to a blowout.
  • If your tire is significantly over-inflated, you may need to visit a mechanic, as this could be a sign of a more serious problem.

Conclusion

Tires are the only part of your car that are actually in contact with the road. That’s why it’s so important to keep them at the correct pressure and to check them before each and every trip. Using a tire pressure gauge is the easiest and most effective way to check your tires.

It’s essential to keep your tires at the recommended PSI to prevent blowouts and keep yourself and other drivers safe on the road. Checking your tire pressure regularly is the best way to stay safe and prolong the life of your tires. Don’t forget: you can use a tire pressure gauge to make sure your tires are at the correct PSI, and you can use it to make sure they are properly inflated. With the correct tire pressure, you can be sure that your car will run smoothly and safely.

 

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