How to Fill Tires with Air

When your car’s tires are properly inflated, you’ll enjoy a more comfortable ride around Thomasville, GA as well as improved gas mileage. But if you’re a new driver or you’ve just never had to put air in your tires before, there’s no need to worry! Learning how to fill tires with air is very simple, and Dale Earnhardt Jr Buick GMC’s service team is here to explain how to get the job done. 

Learn How to Fix Your Car’s Tire Pressure

Most gas stations around Crawfordville have a tire station where you can quickly adjust your car’s tire pressure. If you’re out driving and you see the tire pressure warning light, head to the nearest gas station and follow these steps for how to fill tires with air:

1. Park your car as close as you can get to the air dispenser at the gas station.
2. Make sure the air hose can reach all the tires that need air. 
3. Twist the cap off the tire valve on the first tire. 
4. Use the pressure gauge on the air compressor to measure the current air pressure in your tire. 
5. Place the end of the air hose over the tire valve and add a short burst of air. 
6. Check the air pressure again, and add another short burst of air if needed. Continue the process until you reach the proper tire pressure as it is listed in your owner’s manual.

Keep in mind that the pressure gauges at gas stations may not be 100% accurate. When you pull up after having driven around for a while, the heat caused by road friction has likely caused your tires to expand, increasing the pressure momentarily. Be careful not to overinflate your tires and only add short bursts of air at a time. When all is said and done, you only want to adjust your car’s tire pressure for what was lost before making the trip to the gas station.

Worried you added too much air to your tires? You can release some air by pressing the pin on the tire valve with the back of the air hose nozzle. Getting just the right amount of air into your tires is a delicate practice, so don’t feel bad if you have to add and release air a few times before you get it right.

How Much Air Should I Put in My Tires? 

You might find your car’s recommended tire pressure on a sticker inside the driver’s door. If it’s not listed or is no longer legible, you can also find the information in your owner’s manual. Passenger cars usually have a recommended tire pressure of 32 to 35 psi (pounds per square inch) when they’re cold — meaning before the car has been driven and the tires have warmed up. When you check your car’s tire pressure, it’s best to do so when the tires aren’t warm. Also, keep these quick tips on hand:

• Don’t fill your tires to the psi that’s listed on the tire wall. This number is the maximum amount of pressure the tire can withstand, not the recommended psi.
• If your car bounces a lot over bumps or suddenly has poor handling, it’s likely because you’ve overinflated the tires. 
• Leaving your tires underinflated can wear them out faster and impact your gas mileage.

Trust Dale Earnhardt Jr Buick GMC for Tire Service 

In addition to maintaining your car’s tire pressure, you should keep up with routine maintenance like tire rotations and wheel balancing and alignment. Our trusted service center near Panama City can handle all manner of tire service! What’s more, we have rotating service specials that include tire service coupons, new tire rebates, and more. Contact us with questions or to learn more about our services.