It's a common misconception that tires support the weight of your vehicle when, in fact, it's air pressure that does that. So, that's one reason why having sufficient air pressure is important. It's also so the tires can provide enough handling and traction when driving around Miami, Hollywood, and Miami Beach.
In this detailed guide, we'll tell you exactly how to check tire pressure. We'll also tell you what the tire pressure should be for your car and how to determine if you need new tires.
Read through the information below, and contact us at Audi North Miami if you have any questions.
Steps to Checking Tire Pressure
You'll want to have a tire pressure gauge handy, and complete the following steps to check tire pressure:
- Remove the end cap from every tire's air valve.
- Place the tire pressure gauge into the valve stem and press down quickly. The gauge will pop out and show you a number that represents the current PSI (pounds per square inch).
- Compare the number to the one found inside the driver's door or your owner's manual.
- If the current PSI is higher, then let out some air. If it's lower, then add air until it's at the proper PSI.
- Repeat steps 1-4 for every other tire.
What Should My Tire Pressure Be?
Tire pressure differs among every make and model. It can also differ between the front and rear tires. That's why you'll want to double check the numbers in two spots. First, you can look at the sticker that's located inside the driver's door. Or you can refer to your owner's manual. You won't want to rely on the number on the tire sidewall as that may not be accurate.
When you go to check air pressure, you'll want to make sure that the tires are cold. The tire pressure number listed in the above resources is the car's recommended cold tire inflation pressure.
So, you'll want to check pressure first thing in the morning or at least three hours after you've driven your vehicle. Not only will you get an accurate reading, but when you go to fill the tires with air, they'll be at the proper PSI.
Get a great deal on new tires with our tire maintenance specials.
Signs You Need a Tire Repair or Replacement
You'll want to make it a habit to check tire pressure once a month. However, you'll especially want to check it if a tire pressure light appears on your vehicle's dashboard since that means one of the tires is low on air.
Most tires lose two to five pounds every month. But when it's really cold out, they could lose one to five pounds of tire pressure for every 10-degree drop in temperature.
- If your tires are rapidly losing tire pressure, then you'll want to get them checked out right away. There could be a nail in one of the tires or you may have a bent or damaged wheel. You may also have a poor valve stem that could cause them to leak air and affect tire pressure.
- If your tires aren't at the correct air pressure, then the tires may wear unevenly. Driving on uneven tires can be dangerous as you could lose traction, resulting in an accident.
That's why you'll want to get your tires looked at sooner rather than later. Our certified technicians will either repair them or replace them with brand-new, high-quality tires.
Factors That Can Affect Your Vehicle's Tire Pressure
You're aware that temperature has an effect on your tires: cold temperatures compress the air while heat expands it. However, there are other factors that can affect your tire health and pressure. Obviously, debris or potholes in the road should be avoided because these can cause premature wear or damage to your tires.
Over- or under-inflation also has a negative effect on your tires. Under-inflation can lead to too much wear on the other tires, while over-inflation puts the bulk of the vehicle's weight on that specific tire. This can cause it to wear prematurely and require a replacement sooner than the rest of the set.
Keeping Up with Tire Service
If you notice that one of your tires has a slow leak, not to worry. Technicians can plug the leak so you can continue to rely on that tire for miles to come. However, one of the most important services that you'll need to have performed is a tire rotation.
Tire rotations are a way for you to keep your tires lasting as long as possible. This form of service involves repositioning your tires on your vehicle to help even out the wear. Tires in the front of the vehicle bear more weight because of the engine and transmission. So, in order to ensure that your tires last as long as possible, they're moved to the back and opposite sides. This can help ensure that your tires last as long as expected without having to replace them early.
When you come in for routine service, your tires will also be carefully inspected. This involves checking for leaks, running tests to see if they're properly balanced, and checking that there's enough tread on your tires. This ensures that your vehicle has enough traction and grip on the road.
Schedule Tire Service Today!
At Audi North Miami, our techs can easily check your vehicle's tire pressure and fill them to their correct PSI. We'll also perform other tire services, like rotations, alignments, balancing, and replacements. Whether you see that your tires are low on air or something doesn't feel quite right when you're driving, you can always bring your vehicle in for service and tire repair to continue your journey without interruption!
If you need any kind of tire service near Miami, Hollywood, or Miami Beach, don't wait. Schedule a service appointment at our service center today! We're here to help make sure that your vehicle is in prime condition to take on the road!
