How Often Should You Check Your Tire Pressure?

Now that we understand why tire pressure is so important, the next question is: how often should you check it? 1. Monthly Checkups Experts recommend checking your tire pressure at least once a month. Tire pressure can fluctuate due to a variety of factors such as temperature changes, road conditions, and the natural loss of air over time. Even if your tires don?t appear to be low on air, they can lose pressure slowly, often without any visible signs. A monthly check helps ensure that you catch any issues before they become serious problems. Many modern cars are equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which alerts you when tire pressure drops below the recommended level. However, you shouldn?t rely solely on this system, as it might not alert you until the pressure is significantly low. 2. Before Long Trips If you're planning a long road trip, it?s crucial to check your tire pressure before you hit the road. Long trips often mean extended driving times, and tires that are not properly inflated are more likely to heat up, which can increase the risk of a blowout. Checking your tire pressure beforehand will give you peace of mind and ensure a safer journey. 3. During Seasonal Changes One of the main factors that affect tire pressure is temperature. As the temperature drops, tire pressure decreases?roughly by 1 PSI (pounds per square inch) for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. This is especially important during the winter months when cold weather can cause your tire pressure to drop significantly. Conversely, hot weather can cause your tires to overinflate. It?s a good practice to check your tire pressure whenever the seasons change, particularly as we transition from warmer to colder weather and vice versa. 4. After Driving Over Rough Terrain Driving on rough or uneven surfaces like gravel roads, construction areas, or pothole-filled streets can lead to a decrease in tire pressure. It?s a good idea to check your tire pressure after driving over rough terrain to ensure that your tires haven't lost air. 5. When the Tire Appears Flat or Soft If one of your tires looks visibly flatter or softer than the others, that?s a clear sign to check its pressure immediately. This could be an indication of a slow leak, puncture, or underinflation. Ignoring the problem could lead to a tire blowout, putting you and others at risk on the road. How to Check Your Tire Pressure Checking your tire pressure is a simple process that takes just a few minutes. Here's how to do it: Purchase a Tire Pressure Gauge: You can buy a tire pressure gauge from any auto parts store, gas station, or even online. There are digital and analog versions available, both of which are easy to use. Find the Recommended PSI: The recommended PSI for your tires can usually be found in your vehicle?s owner?s manual or on a sticker inside the driver?s side door. This number represents the amount of air pressure your tires should have when they're cold (before driving). Remove the Valve Cap: Unscrew the small cap on the tire?s valve stem. Check the Pressure: Press the tire pressure gauge onto the valve stem and hold it there for a second. The gauge will display the current tire pressure. Compare and Adjust: Compare the reading with the recommended PSI. If the pressure is too low, add air at a gas station or using a home air compressor. If it?s too high, release some air by pressing down on the valve stem with a small tool. Repeat for All Tires: Make sure to check all four tires, and don?t forget to check your spare tire as well. Tips for Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure Now that you know how often to check your tire pressure, here are some tips to help you maintain it: Check when tires are cold: Tire pressure should be checked when your car hasn?t been driven for at least a few hours. Driving heats up the tires and temporarily increases the pressure, leading to inaccurate readings. Keep a tire pressure gauge in your car: Having a tire pressure gauge in your glove compartment ensures that you can check your tires anytime, anywhere. Rotate your tires regularly: Regular tire rotation helps ensure even wear and keeps your tires in good shape for longer. It also allows you to spot any issues with tire pressure early on. Monitor your tires visually: Make it a habit to visually inspect your tires for signs of wear, damage, or low pressure every time you fuel up. Conclusion Maintaining the correct tire pressure is crucial for road safety, vehicle performance, and fuel efficiency. Checking your tire pressure at least once a month, before long trips, and during seasonal changes can save you from costly repairs and dangerous situations. At A-Hero Driving School, we cover essential vehicle maintenance tips like these in our highly-rated 30-hour online driving education course. This course is provided by Welcomedriver.com, which has been offering quality driving education in California for over 20 years. You can take the course from anywhere, at any time, on a computer, tablet, or phone. Upon completion, you?ll receive the certificate you need to take the permit test. To learn more, visit our website at https://aherodrivingschool.com/online-course. Taking care of your tires is just one part of being a responsible driver. By staying informed and practicing good habits, you can keep yourself and others safe on the road.