As you remove your tire inflator from your trunk and get ready to put air in your tire, you’re not alone wondering how much air a tire should get. Tire pressure can vary from vehicle to vehicle. Fortunately, with these few simple tips and a portable air compressor equipped with a display measuring how much air is in the tire, you won’t have any trouble.

How Much Air Should I Put In My Tires?

On your tires is indicated a ‘max PSI’. This is the maximum pounds-per-square-inch. Do not go above this. Most passenger vehicles are recommended 30-32 PSI.

Can You Tell How Much Air Is In A Tire By Looking At It?

You can’t tell how much air is in a tire by appearance only. Don’t trust the naked eye.

Every standard vehicle sold today uses computer sensors to indicate on the dashboard when tire pressure is low. It can also be measured through a tire pressure measuring tool.

What Happens When You Overfill Your Tire With Air?

When you overinflate a tire, several things can happen. You reduce the give of a tire which impacts your ability to turn corners. Turn too quickly and your back-end could spin out.

Your tires will also wear down quicker, reducing traction and minimizing their lifespan. All in all, you end up at risk of a blowout or accident when you overfill your tire. Stick within the recommended indicated range on your portable tire inflator.

What Happens When You Underfill A Tire?

When you aren’t regularly checking air pressure and/or you underfill a tire. It will be more difficult to brake quickly. Steering and handling will become more difficult.

There will be more friction which is likely to cause overheating. In extreme cases, this can lead to blowouts and tread separation. You will also see things like reduced gas mileage and higher fuel costs, and premature wear-and-tear.

Understanding the Impact of Summer And Winter on Tire Pressure

In winter, the temperature grows cold, the air contracts, molecules get closer together, and tire pressure decreases. During winter, one should be regularly checking their tire pressure.

In the summer, the opposite will happen. Tires expand. For every 10 Fahrenheit increase, tire pressure rises on average by 1 pound-per-square-inch. This can easily put you over the maximum recommended tire pressure. Once again, be sure to check your tire pressure and back off if needed.

Stay safe. Be equipped to act in an emergency and check your tire pressure regularly throughout the year. Have a portable air compressor and tire inflator in your trunk to inflate your tires. Shop it with PrimeCables.ca today.