HOW TO CHECK TYRE PRESSURE

Q: How to locate tyre’s valve stem

Wait until your tyres are cool - before you get in your car to drive off, or 30 to 40 minutes after you finish driving. Locate the tyre’s valve stem and unscrew the cap. Don’t lose the cap! Push the tyre gauge firmly onto the valve stem and read what the gauge is measuring. Compare it to the recommended pressure.

Having well-maintained tyre pressure ensures a smooth ride, safe handling, and good fuel efficiency. Tyres that are low on air will run the risk of damaged tread and sidewall, while over-inflated tyres are at risk of a blow-out, causing you to lose control of your vehicle. Find out how to properly measure tyre pressure with these simple steps.

STEP 1: GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES

What you’ll need to measure tyre pressure:

Digital or dial tyre pressure gauge. These are cheap and can be purchased at any auto supply store
Personal air pump or petrol station air hose

STEP 2: PARK IN A SAFE LOCATION

Find a safe place to park, away from moving traffic and on a solid, level parking surface.

STEP 3: CHECK FOR THE RECOMMENDED TYRE PRESSURE

Before you begin, locate where to check tyre pressure to know the correct tyre pressure for your car. The information can be found on a placard sticker found on your driver’s side door, or in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. The front tyre pressure and the rear tyre pressure may differ from each other.

STEP 4: LOCATE THE TYRE'S VALVE STEM

If possible, it’s best to wait until your tyres are cool — before you get in your car to drive off, or 30 to 40 minutes after you finish driving. Locate the tyre’s valve stem and unscrew the cap. Don’t lose the cap! Place it in your pocket or safe place so you can reseal the valve when you’re finished.

STEP 5: HOW TO CHECK TYRE PRESSURE

Push the tyre gauge firmly onto the valve stem and read what the gauge is measuring. Compare it to the recommended pressure. If it’s too high, release some air by pressing the pin inside the valve stem. Intermittently check the pressure with your tyre gauge while you’re releasing air until you reach the correct pressure reading. If your tyre is under-inflated, place the air pump hose over the valve. Pump air in 4 to 5 second intervals, checking the pressure as you go, until you reach the proper pressure reading.