The recommended inflation pressures for tires are specified in pounds per square inch (psi) or kilopascals (kPa) as indicated on the vehicle tire placard, certification label or in the owner's manual. Never set tire inflation pressures below the recommended inflation pressure found on the vehicle tire placard, certification label or owner's manual. Underinflation causes excessive heat build-up and internal structural damage that may lead to a tire failure, including tread/belt separation, even at a later date. Do not exceed the maximum inflation pressure shown on the tire sidewall. Overinflated tires (over the maximum molded on the tire sidewall) are more likely to be cut, punctured or damaged by sudden impact from hitting an obstacle, such as a pothole. Proper Inflation is Critical - Inflation pressure enables a tire to support the load and to control the vehicle, therefore proper inflation is critical. With the right amount of inflation pressure, the vehicle and the tires will achieve their optimum performance.

In addition to tire safety, this means your tires will wear longer and improve vehicle fuel consumption. Note that some vehicles may have different cold inflation pressures for tires on the front and rear axles. Operating a vehicle with just one tire underinflated by 8 psi (56 kPa) can reduce the life of the tire by 9,000 miles and can increase the vehicle's fuel consumption by 4%. Tires driven even a short distance while underinflated may be damaged beyond repair. Running a tire underinflated is like running the vehicle's engine without enough oil or coolant. It may seem to work fine for a time, but serious permanent damage has occurred. Adding oil or coolant won't repair engine damage, and adding inflation pressure won't fix tire damage. The tire will remain seriously damaged and can still fail, even after inflation pressure is corrected. Driving on tires with improper inflation pressure is dangerous. Underinflation causes excessive heat build-up and internal structural damage.

Overinflation makes it more likely for tires to be cut, punctured or broken by sudden impact. These situations can cause a tire failure, including tread/belt separation, even at a later date, which could lead to an accident and serious peronal injury or death. Consult the vehicle tire placard, certification label or the owner's manual for the recommended inflation pressures. It is impossible to determine whether radial tires are properly inflated just by looking at them. You must use a tire gauge to properly check the inflation pressure. Motorists should have their own gauge and keep it in the vehicle. Check your tire inflation pressures, including the spare, at least once a month and before going on a long trip. Tire pressure should be measured when tires are cold - that is, they have not been driven on. Otherwise, your tires may have heated up, increasing the inflation pressure inside them by several pounds. Never "bleed" or reduce the inflation pressure in a hot tire.

Remember that tires lose pressure when the air temperature gets colder (about 1 psi or 7 kPa for every 10°F drop in temperature). Cat Power Sun Tour Set ListTires may also lose a certain amount of pressure due to their permeability (about 2 psi or 14 kPa per month).Plastic Snake Tubs For Sale Failure to maintain correct inflation pressure may result in rapid wear and uneven tread wear, improper vehicle handling and excessive heat buildup, which may result in tire failure. Replacing Seats And Springs In A Delta Shower Faucet(Evidence of a continuous leak or repeated underinflation requires tire removal and expert inspection.) Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) - It is still important to check inflation pressure at least once a month, even on vehicles that are equipped with a TPMS.

Tire pressure monitoring systems are designed to be beneficial and accurate. However, a TPMS should not be solely relied on for inflation pressure maintenance since some systems may have limitations, such as: Underinflation (prior to a TPMS warning) is increasingly dangerous at high speeds, heavy vehicle loads, extended distances and at high ambient temperatures. Tire Inflation with Nitrogen One of the most important factors in tire care is maintaining proper inflation pressure, regardless of the inflation gas. Nitrogen is an inert (non-flammable) gas - basically, nothing more than dry air with the oxygen removed (air contains about 78% nitrogen). Nitrogen inflation does not harm tires nor does it affect the warranty. Proper tire inflation, whether nitrogen or normal air, helps tires wear longer, saves fuel, and helps prevent accidents. Underinflation, regardless of the inflation gas, can make it harder to steer and stop your vehicle, result in loss of vehicle control, cause sudden tire destruction, and lead to serious injury or death.

Nitrogen and air can be mixed in any and all proportions. Nitrogen filled tires can and should have air added whenever nitrogen is not readily available, to maintain proper inflation as specified by the vehicle manufacturer. For more information, see Service Bulletin # 110 "Tire Inflation - Nitrogen".Maintaining proper tire inflation is relatively simple and essential to the overall tire performance of your vehicle. A properly inflated tire will provide longer life, quicker steering response, better fuel efficiency and a smoother ride than an improperly inflated tire. Both underinflation and overinflation can cause headaches like premature treadwear and possible tire failure. The best way to ensure you're getting the most out of your tires is to check your tire pressure on a monthly basis. Knowing how to use a tire pressure gauge is very simple. Here’s how to check tire pressure and refill your tires. Items You Need When Checking Tire Pressure Your tire pressure gauge can be digital or standard.

Auto parts stores typically carry both. Many auto parts stores sell portable air compressors that run from your car battery or 12v power port. Alternatively, you can use the air compressor found at most gas stations. They usually cost $0.50 or $1.00 to use. Vehicle manufacturers specify PSI – literally “pounds per square inch” of pressure – assuming tires are cold. Tires are considered cold when the vehicle has been parked for three hours or more, or if the vehicle has been driven less than a mile (1.6 km) at moderate speed. PSI is the unit your pressure gauge uses to provide readings. Look on the driver’s side door jamb or your owner’s manual to find the recommended cold tire PSI for your front and rear tires.  If you cannot find it, you should consult your vehicle dealer, manufacturer, or a qualified tire professional. If your front and rear tires require different pressure levels, write down the correct PSI for each to avoid getting confused as you move around your vehicle checking tire pressure.

Remove the valve cap from one of your tires. Then place the pressure gauge on the valve stem and press down hard enough so the hiss sound disappears and your gauge provides a reading. With a standard gauge, the air pressure will push a small bar out from the bottom of the gauge. Measurement units are etched into the bar. A digital gauge will show you the reading on a screen. Write down the reading and repeat this process for all four tires. Use an air compressor to refill any tires with low pressure. Many air compressors are different, so read directions carefully to be sure you’re using it correctly. If you’re using the air compressor at a gas station, be sure to park so that the hose will reach all four tires. Insert change into the machine until you hear the motor running. Fill each tire by placing the end of the hose over the valve stem and pressing on the lever. Using a gas station air compressor means your tires might be “hot.”  If it is necessary to adjust inflation pressure when tires are “hot”, set their pressure to 4 psi (14 kPa) above the recommended cold inflation pressure.

Recheck the inflation pressure when the tires are cold. After filling your tires, use the gauge to check pressure again. At this point, it’s ok if you overfilled the tires because you can always let some air back out. Never drive on overinflated tires. Overinflation can result in decreased traction, premature wear, and decreased impact absorption. Make the above procedure a monthly ritual. Regularly checking your tire pressure is the best way to ensure your tires never dip far below the optimal PSI. Accuracy matters and you should keep that in mind when choosing a gauge. For just a few dollars, you can find a quality, accurate tire pressure gauge that gives accurate readings. If you’re not sure which one to purchase, ask a professional technician which he or she prefers. A digital tire pressure gauge will provide accurate readings, but don’t forget that it operates on a battery. If you think having to replace the battery will prevent you from using it, it’s best to go with a standard gauge.