Keeping your tires at the recommended PSI (Pounds per square inch) can save you 4% on your annual gas costs. That could save the average family between $100 and $200 dollars per year. Here is how you determine and maintain the correct tire pressure.

The correct tire pressure is different from car to car and from tire to tire. The correct or manufacturer recommended pressure for the tires on personal vehicles can be from 20 psi to over 50 psi.

The correct tire pressure for your vehicle is listed on the information placard. This placard is normally located on the edge of one of the doors, the inside post of one of vehicle’s doors or inside the glove compartment, trunk, or fuel door. Your owner’s manual should include the correct tire pressure or direct you to the placard’s location on your vehicle.

The pressure listed on the tire sidewall is the maximum tire pressure - or the tire pressure that is required to carry the maximum load of the tire. It is not the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure, which is a common misconception.

Once you find the recommended tire pressure then you have to be able to measure the tire pressure on all of your tires to make sure they are at the correct pressure. Here is the correct way to measure tire pressure.

How to measure and correct tire pressure:

Step 1:

First and foremost you need a tire pressure gauge. This may seem obvious but many people think they can tell if a tire is low by sight. I would not recommend that. You don’t need an expensive gauge. One with a dial is easier to use than the kind with the pop up.

Step 2:

Determine the proper pressure for your tires by checking the pressure label or the owner’s manual. Now you are ready to measure.

Step 3:

Only measure pressure when the tires are cold. Tires are cold if they have not been driven for more than 1 mile or have been at rest at least 3 hours.

Step 4:

Press the pressure gauge onto the valve after removing the valve cap. Be sure the gauge is lined up with the valve properly and press hard so that the pressure gauge seals tightly on the valve. If you hear the whoosh of air escaping disengage the pressure meter from the valve and reseat it.You should not hear any air movement if you have the gauge properly seated. When it is seated correctly you can take the reading on the gauge.

Step 5:

If needed, inflate the tire to achieve recommended air pressure. If you put too much air in you can release air by pushing on the stem at the inside center of the valve. Re- measure the pressure to make sure it is correct and adjust the air again if needed. Keep repeating this cycle of adding or subtracting air and remeasuring until the desired pressure is reached.

Step 6:

Repeat this same step by step procedure for the other tires. It only takes one low tire to rob you of fuel economy, so you need to measure all the tires.

Check your tire pressure at least once per month is the standard recommendation you should follow. A tire’s pressure will change as air will leach from a tire over time. Use and heat can help to accelerate the rate that air is lost. If you check once per month you can be certain that your tires will remain at the correct pressure all year.

Follow this advice and you will have more money in your pocket every time you fill up. At the end of the year you will have saved $100 to $200 dollars. It’s that easy!

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