Are you a first-time car owner and wondering how often should you check your tire pressure in the winter or summer and when should you check your tire pressure for the most accurate reading? If yes, you are in the right place. In this guide, we are focusing majorly on accurate tire pressure measurement.
A car requires that you keep checking every part of it now and then. It is not just a vehicle but more like an investment. Keeping your car in good condition is a prerequisite if you want to hold it around for a long time. And one of the most important parts of a vehicle is its tires.
There is a reason why kids deflate tires of neighbor’s cars while being naughty sometimes. Even they are aware that deflated tires can’t run the car. That’s why it would be best if you kept your tires properly inflated. It’s a general thing to do if you have a car, a bike, or even a cycle. An inflated tire helps you run your car smoothly, allows proper handling, and saves your tire from early wear and tear.
When it comes to checking your tire pressure, several questions come to your mind, especially if you just bought a brand new car or if your parents have just handed you over the car and you want to keep it in the best shape so you can prove that you can handle the vehicle.
The questions like “how often should you check your tire pressure,” or “when is the best time to check the air pressure in tires,” or “what is the most accurate tire pressure gauge,” etc. often bugs the mind when you know next to nothing about handling a car.
If these questions are also in your mind, this guide is for you. It has everything you need to know about tire pressure, like ‘why should you check your tire pressure when it’s cold,’ ‘why is it important to check your tire pressure,’ etc. It also contains the list of top-rated digital tire pressure gauges and how to use a tire pressure gauge. So, read on; there’s a lot to explore!
When Should You Check Your Tire Pressure?
First of all, you must know the recommended tire pressure prescribed by your manufacturers. Check the inside of your driver-side car door, and you may find a sticker displaying the recommended tire pressure. You can also find it in your driver’s manual. If you can’t find the recommended tire pressure, ask your manufacturer.
However, you should always check the tire pressure in the morning when the car has been parked for a while and the temperature is cold. It is often confusing among car owners that “when should you check your tire pressure – hot or cold.” The answer is when the temperature is cold; it is the right time to check your tire pressure.
Now the question arises, ‘why should you check your tire pressure when it’s cold.’ The answer lies in a simple law of physics that the gas volume and pressure vary as per the ambient air temperature. The tire pressure changes on an average of 2% for every 10⁰ Fahrenheit change. The hot tires have a 4-6% inflation pressure more than that of cold tires. If you inflate your tire when it’s hot, it will nearly explode when the temperature rises as you drive it on the hot road.
There is one more common thing you must know, which is how long do tires need to cool before checking the pressure. If you can’t do it in the early morning, it is recommended that you wait for three hours for the temperature to cool down before checking the pressure. Park your car in the shade. The cool tires provide the most accurate pressure reading.
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Recommended Tire Pressure for Trucks and Cars
As we all know, tire pressure represents the inflation level of a vehicle tire. And if you make sure that your car’s tires are properly inflated, it will help you get better gas mileage, and you will have longer-lasting tires.
Tire pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). It’s is the standard tire pressure measurement used in most of the countries in the world. And if you are wondering; what should my tire pressure be or what is the recommended tire pressure for a car, then here’s your answer.
The average recommended PSI based on vehicle type (cars, trucks, and buses, etc.) are:
- Passenger Cars, SUVs, Minivans, and Light Trucks: 30 to 35 PSI
- 4×4 Wagons and UTEs: 30 to 38 PSI
- Trucks: 35 to 44 PSI
- Buses: 60 to 100 PSI
- Motorcycles: 28 to 40 PSI
- All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs): 3 to 8 PSI, It depends on different terrain types.
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How Often Should You Check Your Tire Pressure?
You should check your tire pressure every month. It is ideal for both winters and summers. However, you can check them more often, but no more than a month should lapse between one pressure check and another. You are advised to set a reminder on your phone or a calendar for a tire pressure check so that you don’t forget it.
Tires are the most neglected part of a car, and they are only given attention when one of them betrays you during a long ride. You should always check your tires before taking your vehicle out of the garage whether any of them looks sagging.
Weather also plays a role in tire pressure changes. The temperatures change more frequently in winter. In summers, the fluctuations are not so frequent, but for both seasons, once a month is a good time.
Some of the cars today come equipped with tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The system warns you if the tire pressure falls below the recommended level. It is also important to note that the tire loses pressure gradually and does not remain the same.
Are you wondering; why should you check your tire pressure regularly? Well, the tires must be kept properly inflated. You don’t want your tire to burst while driving, do you? In the case of an overinflated tire, the tread that touches the ground is less than the ideal, which makes you lose your grip and also results in more heating and wear out in the center.
While in the case of underinflated tires, the tread that touches the ground, which means that the rolling resistance increases, which requires more energy and increased fuel consumption. The undue stress on the underinflated tires makes them wear out much faster.
In short, you will need to change your tires more often than not in both cases. Overinflated tires are not much of a concern as the advanced technology allows them to withstand the pressure, but an underinflated tire is a big no-no. So, to keep your tires properly inflated, tire pressure should be checked every month.
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Most Accurate Tire Pressure Gauge for Car and Trucks
Being a car owner, the toolbox is something to show off. Every car owner must have certain tools in his garage. You can’t run up to your mechanic for every teeny-tiny problem, can you? A tire pressure gauge is one such tool that is a must-have in every car owner’s toolbox.
As discussed, you are required to check your tire pressure every month. A tire pressure gauge will come in handy for it. But how to know if the gauge you presently have shows an accurate reading? You must get the best and most accurate tire pressure gauge for cars and trucks.
You don’t need to search it in the market as in this article; you will find the list of the most accurate tire pressure gauge available in the market.
JACO ElitePro Tire Pressure Gauge
JACO ElitePro Tire Pressure Gauge is a product you will always find on top of every list of the most accurate tire pressure gauge as it is ANSI certified. Take the design first; it is rugged-looking with a gear style that makes you want it. It feels good in the hand.
The second thing is manufacturing. The product is made of quality components and will last forever with its leak-proof air hose and solid brass. The 360⁰ swivel chuck is another nice feature that allows easy access to the tire valve.
For functioning, it has a built-in air bleeder valve which reduces pressure in over-inflated tires. The reading locks in place until you press the pressure reset button on the brass neck. Its large 2-inch glow dial makes it readable even in the dark. It comes with a 100% lifetime warranty.
Pros:
- It is mechanic recommended, tested, and certified within ANSI standards.
- A solid brass design ensures that it is built to last.
- It can read up to 100PSI on its glow dial.
- It has a pressure hold and reset feature.
- It has an air-bleeder valve.
- The 360⁰ swivel chuck comes with an extended tip that allows easy access.
- It needs no battery.
Cons:
- It is costlier than the other gauges on the market.
Astro Pneumatic Digital Tire Inflator with Hose
It can be frustrating to change equipment while gauging the tire pressure and then inflate or deflate it. Astro understood your problem and designed one of the best digital tire pressure gauges. First of all, it is battery-powered, but it is an AAA standard battery that provides 140 hours of use. Even changing the battery is easy. Just roll off the rubber sleeve and change it.
The next great thing is its design. For increased comfort and durability, it comes covered in a rubber sleeve which makes it comfortable in your hands. It comes with a rubber band guard, which increases its durability. It has a stainless steel hose which distinguishes it from its competitors and makes you want it.
The third and most important thing is performance. It has a face backlit LCD digital read-out screen, which goes well with its design. It displays the reading in KGs, PSI, and BAR measurements. It has a 0.1 PSI resolution, which gives the most accurate reading and works well with TPMS. With its two lever positions, you can inflate, deflate and gauge without changing the equipment.
Pros:
- It is a three-in-one device and one of the most accurate ones on the market right now.
- It comes with an AAA standard battery which has a long life of 140 hours of operation.
- It has a 0.1 PSI resolution for the most accurate readings.
- The stainless steel hose and rubber bend guard make it a long-lasting investment.
Cons:
- It loses efficiency after long-term use.
Rhino USA Heavy Duty Tire Pressure Gauge
Whenever you ask, “what is the most accurate tire pressure gauge?”; the name of Rhino USA Heavy Duty Tire Pressure Gauge is always on the list. It is a small American company owned by a father and his two sons in Temecula, California, but its products are world-class. They are so confident with their tire gauge that they will refund your money if you are not satisfied with their product. Yes, that’s true.
This is a product that is giving tough competition in the market to JACO ElitePro Tire Pressure Gauge. If you liked JACO, you would also like Rhino as most features are the same. It is an ANSI B40.1 certified product. It has a 360⁰ swivel chuck and comes with brass hardware. It needs no batteries, and its glow-in-the-dark dial helps you understand the reading even in the dark.
Pros:
- It can read up to 75 PSI.
- Its solid brass hardware helps it to last long.
- It requires no batteries.
- The rubber sleeve protects it from damage if it falls.
- The rubber design also makes its grip powerful in your hands.
- Its lifetime warranty makes it worth buying.
- It is ANSI B40.1 certified, which makes it one of the best tire pressure gauges available out there.
Cons:
- It can read only up to 75 PSI when JACO can read 100 PSI with the same features.
AstroAI Digital Tire Inflator with Pressure Gauge
If you want a gauge that fulfills all your tire needs, you need AstroAI Digital Tire Inflator with a Pressure gauge. This pressure gauge is known for its most accurate reading, which is 1% within the exact pressure of the tire.
The number of features it has makes it a must-have gauge. It showcases an inflator, gauge, hose, valve, straight locking chuck, etc., which makes it fit for everything from a sports ball to a truck, from a bicycle to a car, and so on.
It has a digital LED-backlit display feature. You may find it a little heavy as its body mostly includes stainless steel and solid brass, which is built to last long. It requires 1 Lithium battery, and it has an auto turn-off feature which makes it go off after 20 seconds of inactivity.
Pros:
- It is both a gauge and inflator in one unit.
- It measures reading in different units such as PSI, BAR, and KPA.
- The backlit screen display is remarkable.
- It is fit for a ball, bicycle, car, truck, RV, motorcycle, etc.
- It has an auto-turn-off feature.
- The body is long-lasting.
- It is worth the money you spend.
Cons:
- There are mixed reviews about the working of the product, so you may need to re-evaluate your requirements before purchasing it.
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How to Check Tire Pressure with Gauge
If you get your hands on one of these most accurate tire pressure gauges, you can easily check your tire pressure. But if you are a newbie, you may wonder how to use a tire pressure gauge. It is easy and can be done in a few simple steps.
Step (1): Check The Recommended Pressure
It is generally written on the driver’s side door of your car. The units are written in both KPA and PSI. If you can’t find it, ask your manufacturer.
Step (2): Take off The Valve Cap
It would be best if you kept this valve safe. Please keep it in your pocket or toolbox.
Step (3): Take The Reading
Place the gauge against the tire’s stem in a quick motion, make a flat connection, and remove it as the dial moves. If you think that the connection was not established properly or the air was leaking, try it again.
Step (4): Read the Pressure
On your digital display or dial, you can see the reading. Check it with the recommended pressure.
Step (5): Inflate the Tire
If the tire pressure is lower, then use an air compressor and inflate the tire. Take the reading again.
Step (6): Deflate the Tire (If Needed)
If, after filling the air, the tire pressure increases more than recommended, deflate it a little by releasing some air. You can find a dot or lead on your gauge. Use it to deflate it. Some gauges also come with a liver position which can be used for deflation.
The process of inflating and deflating the tire is only required if the tire pressure is lower or higher than recommended. You must check your tire pressure in the early morning or after the tires have cooled down. A minimum cool-down period of three hours is recommended before checking tire pressure.
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How Often Should You Check Tire Pressure? [FAQs]:
The reason why most people need a tire change is that they do not take care of their tires. The neglected tires demand attention, and when they don’t get it, they burst or wear out, and you need a new one. To keep your tires properly inflated and safe, it is important to check tire pressure regularly.
Though the process is simple, there are several doubts which keep bugging the car owners, like how long should I let my tires cool before checking pressure, which is a better digital or analog tire pressure gauge, why does tire pressure increase on a hot day, etc.
That’s why some of the most frequently asked questions regarding checking air pressure on tires are answered here:
How Long Do Tires Need to Cool Before Checking Pressure?
It is a common rule that you must provide at least three hours to your tires before checking the tire pressure. This is why it is recommended that you should check your tire pressure in the morning. If it is not possible, park your car in the shade and let the tires cool down.
If you are taking your vehicle to a pump to get the tire pressure checked, make sure that you get it to the nearest within one mile; else, the tires will start heating up.
Are Digital Tire Pressure Gauges More Accurate?
There are several tire pressure gauges available in the market, both digital and analog. The ones with the needle and a round dial are also quite popular. To answer the question of which is better-digital or analog pressure gauges, you must look at how they function.
Analog gauges are mechanical. They have a needle that indicates the number on a dial, and unless there is a reading lock switch in your gauge, you may not get a very accurate reading.
Digital gauges are different as they read the pressure in a moment and display it on the screen. There is no doubt, and that’s why they are considered most accurate. Today, analog gauges also come equipped with various features which pose a tough competition between both types.
How Much Does Tire Pressure Change with Temperature?
When it is recommended that you should check tire pressure when the tires are cold, you may wonder how much does tire pressure change with temperature and why does tire pressure increase on a hot day? Well, the temperature has a lot to do with low tire pressure. Many people complain that their tire pressure lowers suddenly in winters.
In winter, the temperatures fluctuate much during day and night. Every 10-degree temperature fall can make the tire pressure fall to 1-2 PSI. In summers, during the high temperature, the black tires absorb heat, and the air takes up more volume in the tire. It is reversed in winter; the air takes less volume, and your tires indicate a low tire pressure.
What Should My Tire Pressure Be in Cold Weather?
The manufacturer mentions the recommended PSI of a car’s tire, and they don’t change as per the weather conditions. The ideal pressure for cars is between 30-35 PSI, which is maintained in every weather.
During the winters, you may need to inflate your tires more as the pressure lowers down with the surrounding atmosphere. The air takes up less volume, and tires need to be inflated more often. Check your manufacturer’s recommendations and maintain a properly inflated tire.
How Often Should You Check Your Tire Pressure? – Author’s View
It is advised that you should check your tire pressure every month as tires lose pressure gradually. It is essential to keep your tires properly inflated. It is a crucial process as an overinflated or underinflated tire may hamper the car’s handling and result in an accident. Apart from these things, it is also important to save the money you spend on the tire change every time. Thus, you must get the best car tire pressure gauge.
From the gauge stated above, you can weigh your options. JACO ElitePro Tire Pressure Gauge is a perfect gauge for different cars and trucks. It may be costly, but its features are unique, and it is a must-have. You can buy an AstroAI Digital Tire Inflator with a Pressure Gauge if you want an all-in-one gauge. It is also a good fit for several vehicles and won’t cause a dent in your pocket.
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