How to Measure Tire Pressure in Cold Weather

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Locate the raised writing on the side of your vehicle's tires.

   The recommended PSI is sometimes also located on a door sticker. , Driving causes the PSI to increase, making the reading inaccurate if tested after driving. ,,,,,, Try to not drive more than 1 mile (1.6 km) if possible so that your tires do not heat up and cause an inaccurate reading or inflation. ,,, This will give you an idea of the difference from driving and help you add the proper amount of air. ,,,,,,
2. 2

   Step 2: Find the text that reads

3. 3

   Step 3: "recommended PSI" or some similar text (PSI is "pounds per square inch" ) or refer to your owner's manual or tire dealer for your particular tires.

4. 4

   Step 4: Check your tire inflation level (PSI) in cold weather before driving your vehicle

5. 5

   Step 5: when the car is cold (sitting for a minimum of 3 hours).

6. 6

   Step 6: Remove the valve-stem cap on 1 or all 4 tires (you will check all 4 tires).

7. 7

   Step 7: Press your air-pressure gauge evenly over the valve stem until air stops escaping.

8. 8

   Step 8: Read the pressure indicated on the metered stick that comes out of the gauge or on the digital screen of your digital gauge.

9. 9

   Step 9: Repeat this process on the rest of your vehicle's tires.

10. 10

    Step 10: Record the PSI readings for each of your tires.

11. 11

    Step 11: Drive to the nearest gas station or auto garage if your tires are underinflated that has an air supply.

12. 12

    Step 12: Park your vehicle so that the air hose from the gas station or auto garage will reach all 4 tires.

13. 13

    Step 13: Remove all caps from the valve stems.

14. 14

    Step 14: Recheck the pressure in all 4 tires and check the readings against your original readings.

15. 15

    Step 15: Fit the air-hose onto 1 of your tire stems until air stops leaking.

16. 16

    Step 16: Release air into your tire by either squeezing the handle on the hose or allowing the hose assembly to do it automatically.

17. 17

    Step 17: Remove the hose periodically and recheck the pressure with your own gauge (public gauges can wear with time and produce inaccurate readings).

18. 18

    Step 18: Continue to inflate your tire until you reach the recommended PSI.

19. 19

    Step 19: Replace the caps on the valve stems.

20. 20

    Step 20: Recheck your tire pressure each week during the cold weather.

Detailed Guide

About the Author