The warmer weather seems to have arrived, but curb your excitement before hopping in your summer car! It is important to check your automobile tire pressure, especially with the change in temperatures. This blog will explain how to properly check tire pressure and make sure you stay safe through summer!
Whether your plans include just cruising around or taking a family road trip this summer, you want to be sure your car is in tip-top shape; and that means checking tire pressure.
HERE ARE THE STEPS TO PROPERLY CHECKING YOUR TIRE PRESSURE:
- To start, you will need to have a quality and reliable tire pressure gauge.
- Check the tire pressure of your tires before you drive your car or a few hours after you have driven so they are cold at the time. If you hear air escaping the tire, no need to fret.
- Insert the tire pressure gauge into the valve stem on your tire, a digital gauge should show immediately, if using a pencil style gauge, the gauge will pop- out and show a measured number. You may hear some air escaping your tire, it should not affect the pressure substantially unless you hold the pressure gauge down too long. Just a second is all it takes!
- Compare the tire pressure psi to the psi in your owner manual or on the sticker inside the driver door of your vehicle. DO NOT compare to the psi on the sidewall of your tire.
- If your psi is above the number, let a bit of air out until it matches. If below, add some air until it reaches the proper number or you may want to consider having a retailer help you.
Low tire pressure can lead to tire damage and this is a common issue coming from winter into summer months.
To avoid a tire blow out because of accumulated damage, get outside and check your tire pressure! Never forget that the tires on our vehicles are the most important safety feature. They are the shoes of our automobile and need to be maintained properly. Not sure you want to do this on your own?
We recommend a visit to a tire repair shop or tire store for assistance.
Erie Mutual Insurance proudly serves the commercial insurance, farm insurance, home insurance and auto insurance needs of members throughout Southern Ontario including Haldimand, Niagara and Hamilton.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have about this or any other topic related to your insurance.
