The life of a tire is really demanding, after having traveled many kilometers it could be a bit shabby, saggy, with a "not very energetic" appearance and perhaps definitely deflated. However, there is no need to worry, this article teaches all motorists how to inflate and care for car tires so that they are always at their peak performance when on the road. Did you know that properly inflated tires prevent sudden tread explosions and optimize fuel consumption? Read on to learn more.
Steps
Step 1. Choose a pressure gauge
You can buy it at most auto parts stores, hardware stores, and even DIY stores.
- Pencil models look like small metal tubes with a graduated inner stick, similar to a ruler, sticking out of one end and showing the blood pressure value.
- In analog manometers the pressure value is very clearly indicated.
- The digital models have an LCD display that does not require any effort of interpretation.
Method 1 of 3: Check the Pressure
Step 1. Find the recommended blood pressure value
This information is indicated in the vehicle maintenance manual or on a sticker attached to the inside edge of the driver's door or in the glove box.
- The pressure could always be the same for the four wheels or it could differ for the rear ones; this is a detail that depends on the car model.
- Generally the pressure must be between 1, 9 and 2, 5 bar.
- You can read the maximum pressure value directly printed on the shoulder of the tire, but you should only rely on this data when you cannot find the one recommended by the car manufacturer. Remember that "maximum" does not necessarily mean "optimal". As a general rule, the pressure should be around 2, 2 bar, then you need to find the recommended data and make the necessary adjustments.
Step 2. Check the tires when they are cold
Heat expands the air, resulting in inaccurate pressure gauge readings.
Step 3. Remove the screw cap covering the valve
It is a small black or silver colored cap that protrudes from the wheel. Unscrew it and store it in a place where you can't lose it.
There are two types of valve stems: rubber ones and metal ones that are found on tires equipped with a pressure control system
Step 4. Secure the pressure gauge
Insert the tip of the tool directly into the valve stem and press firmly. You will probably hear a hiss produced by the air coming out; in this case, press harder until the noise disappears. Read the blood pressure value as indicated.
If the tire pressure matches the manufacturer's recommended pressure, then put the cap back on the valve and move on to the next wheel. Repeat the procedure for all tires without neglecting the spare one. If a tire gets punctured, you won't get very far with a flat spare tire
Method 2 of 3: Inflate the Tire
Step 1. Find a source of air
If you need to inflate your tires and you don't have a compressor at home, like most people do, then you need to go to the nearest gas station. Remember to bring some coins with you, around one or two euros, as some dispensers have to pay.
A very practical tool is commercially available that is worth keeping in the garage. It is a portable mini compressor that can be connected to the 12v socket of the car. You can buy it at auto parts stores, hardware stores and even tire dealers
Step 2. Remove the valve cap
This is the same one you unscrewed to check the pressure level.
Step 3. Turn on the compressor
You may need to flip a switch if you are using a domestic model, or insert some coins into the dispenser column if you went to the service station. At this point you should hear a hiss coming from the instrument.
Step 4. Slide the hose spout directly onto the valve
Press firmly, just like you did before with the gauge, and press the latch lever. If you hear a fairly loud hiss, press harder until the noise disappears or decreases in intensity.
- The more deflated the tire, the longer the air delivery time will be. Most compressors are equipped with a pressure gauge that shows the value when you release the lever that controls the airflow. Do not rely entirely on the accuracy of this tool, although it remains a good guideline as to whether you are approaching the desired number of bars.
- When you are close to the recommended pressure value, use only your personal pressure gauge to check and continue to inflate at 5 second intervals (if the pressure is still too low) or use the tool itself to press the pin inside the valve and let the valve out. excess air (if the pressure is too high).
Step 5. Put the cap back on
When the tire has been properly inflated, replace the cap and repeat the procedure for all other tires, including the spare.
If you have to drive more than a couple of kilometers to reach the gas station, then know that the tires will heat up and the pressure indicated by the gauge will be higher than the real one. If, checking the pressure value, you realize that you need to add air for 0.7 bar, then proceed by inflating the tire for 0.7 regardless of the reading you get at the service station. After a few hours, when the tires have cooled, repeat the check to make sure they are fully inflated
Method 3 of 3: For Cyclists
Step 1. Purchase a bicycle pressure gauge
Automotive models are unable to give you accurate data, because the tires on a bike have a much higher pressure.
Step 2. Use a hand pump
Follow the steps outlined above, including checking the pressure with cold tires, and then follow the instructions in the bike manual to find out the recommended tire pressure.
You can also use a compressor to inflate the bike wheels, but you have to pay great attention. Go with short puffs of air and check the pressure often, until you reach the desired value
Step 3. Check your pressure before every bike ride
Due to their size, bicycle tires react more quickly to changes in ambient temperature and the pressure drops rapidly in winter. For every 5.5 ° C of temperature drop, the tire pressure decreases by 2%.
For example, if you go out for a bike ride on a day when the temperature is 32 ° C and the pressure of the wheels is 6.9 bar, when you return in the evening with a temperature of 16 ° C the pressure will be around 6.5 bar, a noticeable variation
Step 4. Do not over inflate the tires
A 6.9 bar wheel spins smoothly on smooth asphalt, but transmits too much vibration on rough terrain. To improve wet grip, lower the pressure by about 0.7 bar.
Advice
- Here is a useful tip if this is the very first time you are inflating your tires. The air dispenser you find at the gas station usually works for a short time (about three minutes). For this reason it is advisable to first remove all caps from the valves and park the car parallel to the curb, as close as possible to the regulator, to save time.
- On average, tires lose 0.07 bar of pressure per month, so check them at least once during this time.
- Try to figure out in advance how to use the dispenser. Generally at the end of the tube there is a nozzle that must be connected to the valve stem, while the instrument column is equipped with a lever / switch that must be pressed to let the air out. The moment you release the lever, the gauge needle clicks from zero to show the pressure reading and at the same time the air begins to flow out of the tire. You have to keep the lever pressed for most of the time and release it from time to time to check if you have reached the desired pressure value.
Warnings
- Be careful to inflate the tires correctly. If the pressure is excessive, the tread wears out especially in the center, affecting handling and driving comfort. If the tires are deflated, excessive flexing of the material is generated which overheats the tread with the risk of explosions. This could also cause vehicles with a high center of gravity, such as SUVs, to tip over. Keep in mind that tires with little pressure wear more and waste energy (significantly increasing consumption). Remember that tires are usually designed to withstand a maximum pressure well above that indicated as optimal. Do not let the value drop below the recommended minimum.
- Due to the "mistreatment" that compressors in service stations suffer, the pressure gauges supplied may be inaccurate, so it is always worth referring to your personal pressure gauge.
- Since air regulators are often time-limited, you should start by inflating all tires a little more than necessary (using the regulator pressure gauge as a reference). Once this is done, take your personal pressure gauge and test the pressure of each wheel by letting out some air if necessary.
- In some cases, the pressure gauge attached to the end of the regulator is constructed of metal with engraved notches that are difficult to read at night. To have accurate data, always carry your instrument with you.
