How to Fill Tires with Air

Did you know that properly inflated tires help improve the life of your tires, fuel efficiency on your Happy Valley drives, and your overall driving experience? That’s why it’s crucial to make sure your tires have enough air. Don’t know how to fill tires with air? Let Weston Buick GMC, Inc.’s tire center walk you through the process and tell you more about how much air you should put in your tires.

Adding Air to Tires: Step-by-Step Guide

Adjust your car’s tire pressure to the proper amount when you do the following steps: 

1. Pull up to the air dispenser at a gas station near Beaverton. 
2. Make sure you can reach all four tires with the air hose.
3. Remove the cap from the tire valve on the first tire.
4. Then, use your tire gauge to check the air pressure in the tire.
5. Repeat this process for the other three tires. 

Note that the air hose gauges at many gas stations aren’t 100% reliable. This is often because driving causes the tires to heat and the inside to expand; this increases the car’s tire pressure. To avoid overinflating the tire, use the air hose to add air in short bursts and ensure that — regardless of what the second reading is — you only top up what was lost before visiting the dispenser. 

In the case that you do add too much air, don’t panic. Simply release some of the air. Press the pin on the tire valve with the back of the air hose nozzle, or use the small knob on the back of the rounded end of the tire gauge. It’s ok if you have to adjust the pressure more than a few times. You’ll need practice to master this task! 

How Much Air Should I Put in My Tires? 

How much air you should put in your tires depends on your model. You can usually find the recommended tire pressure on a sticker inside the driver’s door or in your owner’s manual. Your owner’s manual should include everything you need to know about your car’s tire pressure. 

Generally, passenger cars suggest 32 to 35 psi (pound per square inch) when they’re cold. If you want the most accurate reading, you should check the tire pressure after the car has cooled off. When inflating your tires, keep the following in mind: 

• Don’t inflate your tires to the psi given on the actual tire. This number indicates the maximum amount of pressure the tire can hold — not its recommended psi. 
• You can usually tell that you’ve overinflated your tires when the ride quality is bouncy and the car is harder to handle when you’re out and about in Portland. 
• Underinflated tires can lead to faster tire wear and tear.

Schedule Tire Service at Weston Buick GMC, Inc.! 

Now that you know how to fill tires with air, what’s next? Feel free to contact us for more information on how to take care of your tires, or schedule a visit to our Gresham service center if you’d like to get your tires inspected. We can help with tire rotation, wheel alignment and balance, and even issues with your car’s tire pressure monitoring system!