How to Put Air in Your Tires

It is a good idea to check the air in your tires on a regular basis.  Low tire pressure can cause blowouts, cause premature tire wear, and can hurt your vehicle's gas mileage.  Here's how it's done.

Step 1:  Look up the recommended pressure for your vehicle's tires.
Look up the recommended pressure for your vehicle's tires.  If your car or truck still has its original tires on it, you can usually find the manufacturers' recommended tire pressure on a sticker that is located on the inside of your vehicle's driver's side doorjam.  If it's not there, try looking in your vehicle's owner's manual.

Step 2: Check to make sure that your tires actually need air.
The most convenient way to do this is to use a tire gauge at home.  If you don't have a gauge, it's not a bad idea to pick one up.  You can find them at any auto parts store.  Many of the air pumps that gas stations have also contain gauges.

Note: The best way to get an accurate tire pressure reading is to check your vehicle's tires when they are cold, meaning they have not been driven on for an extended period of time recently.

Step 3: Find a gas station that has an air pump.
Once you have determined what tires need more air, find a gas station that has an air pump, preferably one that features a pressure gauge.  Some stations have free pumps, while others have coin operated ones.

Step 4: Connect the pump's hose to your the first tire's valve stem.
Unscrew the cap on the valve stem that belongs to the tire that you want to fill with air.

Step 5: Put air in your tire.

Step 6: Check to see if its pressure is correct.
Now use the air pressure gauge on the pump or your own personal gauge to check the tire's pressure by holding it against its uncapped valve stem.

Note: If your tire makes a hissing sound when you are checking its air pressure, your gauge does not have a tight seal and you are not getting an accurate reading.  Try it again, this time pressing harder.

Step 7: Adjust the air pressure if necessary.
If the tire has too much pressure, let a little air out.  You can do this by pressing on the small needle that is located in the center of the valve stem with the back of your pressure gauge.  If its pressure is still too low, add more air.

Step 8: Replace the valve stem cap.

Step 9: Repeat Steps 3 through 8 on the rest of your tires that need air.