Step 2:
Secure the vehicle
Park in a sensible spot at a petrol station, following any of their regulations. Park the car on level ground. Shift automatic cars into the parking position, in manual cars shift into first gear. Put on the parking brake.
SAFETY WARNING
To avoid a fire hazard - do not smoke when checking tyres at a petrol station.
Step 3:
Remove the valve caps
Wipe the area around the valve with a rag until it is clean. Remove the cap from the valve by turning it counter-clockwise until it comes off. Put the caps in a safe place so you don't lose them. Wrap them in a tissue and put them in your pocket or somewhere safe. A slow leak may be the result of a bad or leaky tyre valve
Step 4:
Attach the air pressure gauge
Connect the pressure gauge by firmly pressing it onto the valve. The sound of escaping air tells you that the gauge is not on properly or you are pressing too lightly. When firmly attached note the reading on the gauge's display.
Step 5:
Inflate tyres
Add air according to the recommendations made by the manufacturer. Push the plus button on the pressure gauge, or on some gauges, press a lever all the way down to add air.
If you have put in too much air, you can release it by pushing on the minus button. On other gauge types, press the lever halfway down for air release. If you don't have your manual on you, when your tyres need inflating, go by the average pressure for most passenger cars which is around 2 bars (30 psi).
Top Tip
If your tyre seems to be losing air slowly it may be due to a leaky valve. You can check the valve with a simple method. Put some spit on your fingertip and apply it on the valve. Look for bubbles indicating a slow leak. If there are bubbles, you'll need to replace the valve or the tyre. If no bubbles can be seen, the valve is not losing air.
Step 6:
Repeat with each tyre
Check all your tyres and add air if necessary. Make sure to also check your spare tyre before finding out it's flat when you need it. Make a habit of checking the pressure in your spare tyre regularly and use the occasion to check that the jack and wheel nut spanner are also in their place and in good condition.
Step 7:
Replace the valve caps
Replace the valve cap straight away. The cap prevents dirt from entering the valve. Properly replacing the caps means your valve will live as long as your tyre - which also means you're safe on the road. |
