Tire Pressure Check Guide

When the weather gets colder, tire pressure can drop along with the temperature. You may need to inflate your tires. Local mechanics at Chapel Hill Tire are here to help! Here's what you need to know about low tire pressure.

Tire pressure overview

Tire pressure is measured in PSI (pound force per square inch). Typical tire pressure ranges from 32 to 35 psi, but this may depend on the type of vehicle you have, tire characteristics, tire brand, and outside temperature. When looking for recommended tire pressures, you may not find this information in your owner's manual. Instead, tire pressure recommendations are often found on a sticker inside the door frame on the driver's side. 

Manual tire pressure check

To check tire pressure, you will need a pressure gauge. If you don't already have one, these tools are inexpensive and easy to keep in your car. To accurately determine tire pressure, it is recommended to wait 3 hours after driving before completing a tire pressure check. Wheel friction can affect tire temperature and pressure. 

When you're ready to get started, refer to the tire information sticker inside the door frame to determine what tire pressure should be. Then firmly attach a pressure gauge to each valve stem of your tire. You will see how the scale of the manometer rises. Once it hits a steady PSI value, that will be your tire pressure. 

Automated tire pressure systems for vehicles

Most vehicles are equipped with automatic tire pressure monitoring systems that will alert you when your tire pressure is low. Older cars do this by learning how fast the tire turns. Full tires create more spin than flat tires. Your vehicle detects when one tire is spinning faster than the others and alerts you to low tire pressure. 

Newer vehicles have advanced tire pressure systems that measure and monitor tire pressure. It is best not to rely entirely on any of these systems, as they are not immune to failures or inaccuracies. 

Free professional tire pressure check

Perhaps the best way to accurately determine your tire pressure is to have it checked by a professional. Overfilled tires are just as bad as underinflated ones. A professional technician knows how to achieve this necessary balance. The mechanics have professional sensors and experience to comprehensively check the condition of your tires. Best of all, top mechanics can provide this service for free. For example, Chapel Hill Tire automatically checks tire pressure at every oil change. If you have a low level, our specialists will also inflate your tires for free. 

If your tires are covered by our traffic accident protection plan, you can get free tire refills at any time (in addition to other tire services). 

What causes flat tires?

Low tire pressure is one of the common problems with several possible sources. Here are some of the common reasons why your tires might go flat:

Low pressure problem 1: cold weather and tire pressure

In the autumn-winter season, many drivers begin to notice low tire pressure. Cold weather can cause tire pressure to drop 1-2 psi for every 10 degrees of temperature drop. This is the only change in tire pressure that is not caused by air loss. Rather, the air inside your tire condenses when it's cold and expands when it's hot. This makes autumn and winter a popular time to check tire pressure. 

Low pressure problem 2: nails or punctures in tires

Damaged tires are a driver's worst fear when tire pressure drops. Nails and other tire hazards can be picked up by other drivers on the road, causing tires to puncture and depressurize. In this case, your tire will need to be patched so that it can maintain proper air levels. 

Low pressure problem 3: potholes and tire pressure

Your tires are designed to absorb the impact of bumps in the road. However, frequent road bumps and severe potholes will have a greater impact on tires. As your tire absorbs this extra pressure, it can release some of the air. 

Low pressure problem 4: bent rims and low tire pressure

A bent rim or wheel can damage the seal that holds air in the tire, resulting in low tire pressure or frequent punctures. 

Low Pressure Problem 5: Leaky Schrader Valve

Have you ever wondered what those little caps on your tire valve stems do? They protect the Schrader valve from dirt, water, dust and other contaminants. If the contamination becomes strong enough, the Schrader valve in the tire may gradually begin to let air through. 

Low Pressure Problem 6: Normal Tire Wear

Tires will gradually release air over time, even with normal driving. Your tires will naturally lose about 1 PSI each month. That's why it's so important to check your tire pressure frequently. Ideally, you should check them every 1-3 months. 

The Importance of Full Tires

Low tire pressure is more than just an annoying indicator on your dashboard. This can have several immediate consequences for you, your car, and your wallet:

Less fuel economy and low tire pressure

Have you ever tried to ride a bike with flat tires? This is much more difficult compared to a bike with full tire pressure. The same logistics can be applied to your vehicle. Driving with flat tires is harder, which means less fuel efficiency, more emissions, and more money spent on gas stations. 

Vehicle Handling and Safety Issues

Perhaps most importantly, low tire pressure can affect your car's handling. The friction between your tires and the road is responsible for the car's responsiveness. When your tires are running at low pressure, this grip is compromised, slowing down braking and reducing steering response. It can also make you more vulnerable to flat tires and other road problems. 

Failed test due to tire problems

Due to low tire pressure and the problems it creates, you can run into all sorts of problems on the road. Structural tire problems, poor vehicle handling, and any other safety issues can cause you to fail your annual MOT. Reduced fuel economy due to flat tires can cause you to fail your emissions test. 

Tire damage at low pressure

The air inside your tires maintains the structural integrity of your tire. Poorly inflated tires increase the tire's contact area with the road, causing damage to the sidewall. It can also lead to flat tires, warped rims, and other costly problems. 

Chapel Hill Tires | Tire service near me

Whether it's a simple tire pressure check or a complex wheel repair, Chapel Hill Tire is here to meet all your tire maintenance needs. Our local mechanics proudly serve drivers throughout the Triangle from our offices in Raleigh, Durham, Carrborough and Chapel Hill. Make an appointment with our mechanics or give us a call to get started today!

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