Every vehicle owner should know at least a few basic maintenance tricks to help keep their car in good shape. While some tasks—such as airing up your tires—might seem obvious to experienced drivers, new drivers might not have had the chance to learn yet. Luckily, this is a basic maintenance task that anyone can perform with the right knowledge and resources. Master this crucial part of tire maintenance with these beginner tips for putting air in your tires.
How To Use an Air Compressor
When inflating your tires, you need access to a tire air compressor. You can find one outside most gas stations or purchase a portable air compressor to keep in your car or garage. To air up your tires, remove the stem cap from the tire and turn on the air compressor. Line up the head of the air compressor with the tire stem. Be sure to keep gentle pressure on the air compressor head to ensure it stays connected to the tire stem.
From there, it’s a simple matter of using the air compressor to fill your tire to the desired amount. When you’re done, remove the compressor head and screw the stem cap back on.
Keep a Tire Gauge in Your Car
Now that you know how to inflate your tire, it’s essential to learn a few basic tips for maintaining your tire’s air pressure. One of the most important things to do is to keep a tire gauge in your car at all times. This makes it easy to check your tire pressure whenever you notice your tires look flat or feel soft.
You will also need a tire gauge to monitor the pressure when you fill up your tires. While most air compressors have an attached gauge, having your own tool ensures you always have a gauge you know how to use and read.
Avoid Underinflating and Overinflating
One of the most important tips for putting air in your tires is to avoid under or overinflating. Follow the Goldilocks rule: not too much, not too little, but just right. Both underinflation and overinflation can cause issues for your vehicle. Underinflated tires can lead to excessive wear and tear, overheating, and blowouts. Meanwhile, overinflated tires can hinder your traction and lead to tread wear or blowouts.
How do you know the correct tire pressure for your vehicle? You can find your car’s recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) on a sticker inside the driver’s side door. This information might also be in the owner’s manual. Generally, most vehicles suggest a tire pressure of 30 to 35 PSI.
