How to check tire pressures and tread depth

When checking your tires before a trip, you should first determine how to check and adjust your tire pressures. Here are some recommendations that can help you prepare your tires for a trip.

If have a compressor of your own, or have access to a local service or gas station in your area then you can have a source to inflate your tires.

Have a tire pressure gauge handy, you can purchase one from your local parts store.

Here are two types of tire pressure gauges.

Locate Tire Pressure Label

Look for the recommended tire pressures in either the owners or on a tire pressure label.(Usually in the gas flap area)

Pressure Rating

If you can’t find the proper tire pressures anywhere, then use this recommended procedure.

Locate the maximum tire pressure stamped on the side of the tire. (Usually the smallest print on the tire close to the edge of the rim)

Calculate Actual Tire Pressure

To calculate, take the maximum pressure rating and subtract 20% to find the alternate amount to set your tires to. 44 psi – 20% = 35 psi.

Check the tire pressure by holding the pressure gauge on the valve stem that is installed in the edge of the rim and record your reading.

To inflate your tires you will need an inflation fitting to attach to your compressor.

Inflation fittings usually come with a compressor or can be purchased at your local parts or hardware store.

Place the air fitting onto the tire valve stem for a few seconds to inflate the tire and re-check the pressure with your tire gauge.

Set your tires to the recommended or calculated psi.

Note:

Make sure when you set your tire pressures that you install the valve stem caps to keep out debris and corrosion from inside the valve core. If you don’t have valve caps, you could pick up some at your local parts or tire store.