Inflating Your Tires: A 6 Step Guide
Driving on properly inflated tires is essential for optimum performance and safety. Under-inflated tires will wear out quicker than those that are properly inflated, and can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle. It is important to check your tire pressure regularly and make sure that you are adhering to the owner’s manual guidelines for tire pressure.
Inflating your tires is actually quite simple. Here is a complete 6 step guide to help you make sure you’re doing it safely and correctly.
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials: a tire gauge (to measure the tire pressure), a tire inflator (balloon, air compressor, or manual foot pump), and an extension cord (for electric powered inflators).
Step 2: Check the Tire Pressure
Before inflating the tire, it is important to check the tire pressure. Make sure you are adhering to the owner’s manual recommendations for your vehicle. Check the tire pressure with the tire gauge and note down the current air pressure.
Step 3: Remove the Valve Cap
Remove the valve cap from the tire and place it in a safe place, such as a pocket or air hose.
Step 4: Attach the Inflator
If you are using an air compressor, make sure you are plugging it into an appropriate electrical outlet and secure the connection with the extension cord. For a manual foot pump, carefully attach the pump to the tire valve.
Step 5: Inflate the Tire
Turn on the compressor or start pumping with the manual foot pump. Carefully monitor the tire pressure gauge and make sure not to over-inflate the tire. If necessary, adjust the air pressure using the tire gauge to make sure it adheres to your vehicle manufacturers specifications.
Step 6: Replace the Valve Cap
Once you’ve reached the appropriate tire pressure, turn off the compressor or stop pumping with the manual foot pump. Detach the inflator hose and replace the valve stem cap.
Following this 6 step guide will ensure that your tires are properly inflated and that you are getting the best performance out of your vehicle. Properly inflated tires are essential for safety and performance, so make sure you’re checking your tire pressure regularly.
