Maintaining proper air pressure in your tires is vital to keeping your vehicle performing as it should, as inadequate PSI in just one tire can cause significant losses in efficiency and handling performance, increased braking distance, and increased wear that could leave you needing a replacement earlier than expected.
If you notice an active tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning on your dashboard, it likely means at least one of your tires is low on air. But that may leave you wondering, how do I actually add more air to my tires?
In this article, we’ll cover why proper tire pressure is so important and how you can add air to your vehicle’s tires when needed.
Why is Tire Pressure Important to My Vehicle?
While a slightly deflated tire may seem like something you can push down the line and continue driving on, there are a few critical reasons why this is not the best idea.
For one, deflated tires can reduce your vehicle’s MPG by a significant amount. According to the United States Department of Energy, a vehicle running 75% of the recommended tire pressure in all four tires may see efficiency drops as large as 2%-3% across all driving speeds. At 50% capacity, this effect worsens even further, with losses of up to 10% recorded at normal surface-street speeds (40 MPH).
Beyond just efficiency, low tire pressure also affects the performance and handling of the vehicle. The low PSI allows for the tire to “flex” more than it should around corners, reducing the vehicle’s ability to stay planted during turns.
The most important reason to avoid driving on low-pressure tires is simple: safety. Low PSI causes the vehicle’s stopping distance to increase and control to decrease, potentially landing you in some dangerous circumstances. Driving on a deflated tire for an excessive amount of time can prove even worse, as the increased rate of wear could cause the tire to fail prematurely.
How Do I Add Air to My Tires?
Now that you know the importance of keeping your tires filled up, how do you actually go about doing that? Luckily, this process is generally very simple and can be completed in a matter of minutes.
Step 1 – Find a Compressor to Use
Your first order of business is locating an air pump you can use to top off your tires. The vast majority of gas stations will have tire filling stations you can pay a few bucks to use, but at-home air compressors will also work just fine for this as well. Pull your vehicle into a spot where the hose can reach all four tires (or at least the ones you intend to fill).
Step 2 – Find Your Recommended PSI
Not all tires are created equal, and some may require a higher or lower PSI than others. The best way to find the proper pressure is to look at the sticker placed on the driver’s side door jam, which is the portion of the door that is covered when closed. Alternatively, you can likely find it by taking a look at the owner’s manual or the PSI number listed on the sidewalls of some tires.
Step 3 – Remove the Tire Valve Caps
The valve stems, or the threaded metal stems on the wheels used to let pass through, will be covered by a valve cap which should be removed. Place the caps in your pocket or within the vehicle so you can be sure not to lose them.
Step 4 – Place Compressor Fitting Over Valve Stem
After activating the compressor and finding your optimal PSI, you’ll want to place the compressor’s fitting on the valve stem of the tire you want to fill. This will begin to fill the tire with air.
Step 5 – Fill To Proper PSI
Now that you have air going into the tire, it’s time to fill it to the proper level. Keep an eye on the pressure gauge located on the compressor as the pressure builds, and remove the compressor’s fitting when adequate PSI has been reached. If you’ve accidentally overfilled your tire, you can press the metal pin located in the center of the valve stem to let air escape.
Step 6 – Replace Valve Caps
Now your tire is all filled up! All you need to do now is put those valve stem caps back on. These caps are important for preventing valve stem damage from road debris and help to keep the air inside the tire.
Tire Services at Matson Point S
If you’re experiencing issues with your tires, trust the experts at Matson Pont S in Riverton for tire services and replacements! Our technicians have extensive experience serving the tires of all makes and models, and have the expertise and equipment to properly care for your vehicle! Give us a call or schedule online today.