Tire pressure gauges are easy to find in all kinds of stores in the automotive area. It is a necessity for anyone who wants to keep their tires in good shape. You can use it for bicycle tires, for car tires, motorcycle tires and any tires that are on a small truck.
There are several different types of pressure gauges. The most common type is a slide type which is long and narrow somewhat like a pencil with a small ball on top. The ball contains a connector that comes in contact with the stem of the tire and allows pressure to go into the device. This makes the slide pop out to show the amount of pressure in the tire. There are other types that have a dial and instead of a slide the dial will show you the pressure. Another version is digital and once attached to the stem of the tire will show a number on a small screen.
It is relatively simple to use a gauge. Find the valve of the tire near the hub cap on the side. Twist off the small cap. Place the open valve into the piston part of the gauge and press. Do not worry, this is not like a balloon and if you open the valve all the air will come out of the tire. You will only hear a small hissing noise. Remove the gauge and look at the number that it indicates. Never check tires after running all around town. The tires need to be cold in order to give the most accurate reading.
Not every vehicle has the same requirements for pressure. There are several places to find these requirements and one is inside the door jam of the car on the driver’s side. There is usually a yellow sticker that will give you all the information you need. Some tires also have the pressure printed on the sidewall. This sticker can be found on the door of the glove box or on the cover to the area where fuel is pumped into the car. PSI is the measurement of pressure and stands for pounds per square inch. Most tires for regular sized vehicles take anywhere from 30 to 40 pounds per tire.
If tires are under inflated you use much more fuel than if they were filled correctly. If they are over filled you run the risk of having a blow out. In the winter it is often a practice to slightly under inflate tires so that when in contact with winter elements they will stop better. It is questionable as to whether this actually works or not.
Store pressure gauges in a dry area and the glove compartment is a great place because you will always have it with you. If you drop the gauge on a hard floor or surface you may find that it no longer is giving you a good reading. They are somewhat delicate. Cheap gauges work well for readings but they do not need to be calibrated. There are more expensive gauges that do have to be calibrated and therefore give a better reading.
Tires can go down in pressure every time they are out on the road. In the winter expect to find you have to fill them about 1 to 2 pounds every month. In summer weather you may have to fill them even more. You do not have to check tires every time you fuel the car. This may be a little obsessive. However, checking every 3 to 4 weeks will help to keep tires in good shape.
Tire pressure gauges cost $1 for a sliding variety at a Dollar Store. You can also get the digital type that will cost you about $25. This is a small price for saving gas and the life of your tires. Remember to check your tires whether they need it or not every so often and do not forget to put the valve cover back on after checking or adding air.
Be safe while traveling by purchasing tire pressure gauges. Checking your tires is suggested to keep the right amount of air in them. Purchasing your tire pressure gauge today is easy. Go online now!