How to Fill Tires With Air

When you keep your tires properly inflated, not only does it extend the life of your tires, but it also improves your vehicle’s fuel economy, enhances your ride quality, and improves overall handling on Manhasset roads. If you’re curious about how to fill tires with air, the service experts at North Bay GMC are here to help! Read this guide to learn more about how much air you should put in your tires, and why it’s important to know the recommended psi for your vehicle’s tires.

How to Add Air to Your Tires: Step-by-Step Guide

Adjusting Your Car’s Tire Pressure

Adjusting your car’s tire pressure yourself is a quick and easy task. If your tires are in need of air, follow these steps:

• Pull your car up to the air dispenser at your local Bayside-area gas station.
• Make sure that the air hose can reach all four tires.
• Remove the cap from the tire valve on the first tire.
• Then, use your tire gauge to check the air pressure in the tire.
• Repeat this process for the other three tires.

You should keep in mind that the air hose gauges at many gas stations aren’t always 100% reliable. This is because as you drive, the heat causes the tires to expand, increasing the tire pressure. Most importantly, you want to avoid over-inflating the tire by using the air hose — so be sure to add air in short bursts. Regardless of what the second reading is, you should only top up to what was lost before visiting the dispenser. If you happen to add too much air, all you have to do is release some of the air by pressing the pin on the tire valve with the back of the air hose nozzle, or by using the small knob on the back of the rounded end of the tire gauge.

How Much Air Should I Put in My Tires?

The recommended tire pressure for your vehicle can typically be found on a sticker inside the driver’s door. If you’re unable to locate the sticker, check your owner’s manual. There, you’ll find all of the information you need to know about your car’s tire pressure. Generally, passenger cars should have a tire pressure of 32 to 35 psi (pound per square inch) when they're cold. To get the most accurate reading possible, check your car tire pressure after the vehicle has cooled off. Also, when inflating your tires, keep the following tips 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 if your tires are overinflated if the ride quality is bouncy and the car is harder to handle.
• Under-inflated tires can lead to faster tire wear and tear.

Get Excellent Tire Service at North Bay GMC Near Roslyn

If your tires are under-inflated, or you need any services like a tire rotation, schedule an appointment at our service center near Flushing. And in the meantime, browse our current service specials to get a great deal on your car’s maintenance.