Because your car tires are the only component making contact with the road, you must regularly check the pressures to ensure safety. But, how often should you check your tire pressure?
It depends on a few factors.
In this guide, we cover how often to check spare tire pressure along with some other important criteria you want to know.
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Why Is It So Important To Check Tire Pressure Regularly?
The most important reason to figure out how often to check tire pressure is because of safety. When the tire pressures are off, you are at a higher risk of a blowout or accident. However, it's also essential to check the pressure regularly to avoid tire wear.
When the tire isn't inflated correctly, the tread can wear unevenly, leading you to need replacements more frequently.
How Often Should You Check Your Tire Pressure?
How often should you check your tire pressure according to the DMV? The Department of Motor Vehicles recommends checking pressures at least once a month. However, there are some factors that must be discussed.
For starters, you should perform a visual inspection of the tires every time you drive. With a simple visual inspection, you can see larger problems before you hit the road. If the tires look underinflated, it's important that you take the time to check the pressures.
How often should you check tire pressure when temperatures are fluctuating? When it gets hotter, the tire pressure rises in response. On the other hand, as temperatures drop, the tire pressure also goes down. For this reason, you should check the tire pressure anytime that the temperature changes dramatically.
What about how often to check spare tire pressure? You can't just leave your spare tire to sit in the trunk without checking it occasionally. Otherwise, you might end up with a faulty spare when you need it the most. Many of the top auto professionals recommend having the spare tire checked whenever you have the tires rotated, approximately every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.
All of these suggestions need to be altered if you are driving long distances every day or towing heavy loads. In both of these cases, you should check the tire pressures more frequently.
Factors That Affect Tire Pressure
How To Check Tire Pressure (Step By Step Instruction)
The steps to learning how to check Audi tire pressure are the same as figuring out how you check the tire pressure on a Presta valve. Whether you are dealing with a car or a bike, you will treat the tire the same way.
- 1Take the cap off of the air valve. Make sure you place it where it won't be lost.
- 2Push the tire pressure gauge against the open stem for a second. You might hear a slight loss of air.
- 3Read the gauge. If you have a manual gauge, you need to see where the dial falls. However, a digital gauge will be much easier to read.
- 4Compare the number you see with the recommendation on the driver's side door jamb.
- 5Inflate the tires if needed.
- 6Put the tire valve cap back on.
- 7Repeat this same procedure for every tire, including the spare if needed.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
How long does the right tire pressure usually last?
It's normal for a car tire to lose between 1 to 3 PSI every month, even when everything is in good working condition. That's why it's recommended to check them every month.
How long should you wait after driving to check tire pressure?
You want the car tires to cool down after driving before you check the air pressure. For this reason, it's recommended that you wait at least three hours after driving.
Do tires lose air without the cap?
Air can seep out the stem when there is no cap placed on it. Plus, dirt and debris can get into the stem, which could lead to further issues. For the price, there's no reason to neglect cap replacement.
Do I need to put extra air in my tires when it's cold?
For the recommended tire pressure to be met, you might need to add some more air during colder months. The drop in temperature creates a loss of pressure, so check it and adjust it accordingly.
Conclusion
How often should I check my tire pressure? Under normal conditions, you should be okay to check the tire pressures monthly. However, it never hurts to check it more often, especially if you are pushing your vehicle harder.