Here’s How to Measure Car Tire Pressure That You Can Apply

Tire pressure is one of the things that car owners commonly overlook. In fact, it is crucial for the performance of a car. Tire pressure affects the comfort of the driver while driving.
The more appropriate the tire pressure, the more comfortable the driver will be while driving the car. If the tire pressure is too low or too high, the car will be less comfortable and stable when driven.
Each type of car has its own tire pressure specifications. For example, SUVs. This type of car has an ideal tire pressure of around 35 to 40 Psi. Besides SUVs, here are some other types of cars along with their tire pressure specifications:
- MPV: 30 - 33 Psi.
- Sedan: 28 - 31 Psi.
- City Car: 29 - 32 Psi.
How to Measure Car Tire Pressure
You should be able to measure your own car tire pressure. Even if you already know the ideal tire pressure for each type of car. Measuring tire pressure yourself can help you ensure whether the pressure is just right, too low, or too high.
Here are some ways to measure car tire pressure. These methods are:
Using a Special Tire Pressure Measuring Tool
Now, there are various special tools available for measuring car tire pressure. Currently, tire pressure measuring tools are available in two types, namely analog and digital.
Analog tire pressure gauges have a distinctive cylindrical shape, a dial indicator, and a gauge with pressure units. Digital tire pressure gauges also have similar characteristics. The difference is that digital gauges have additional features, namely numerical readings that can display measurements up to decimal points.
There are several specific steps you can take when measuring tire pressure with a gauge. Regardless of whether the tool used is manual or automatic. These steps are:
- Open the valve cap, then direct the end of the tool to the end of the car tire valve. Make sure both are properly and securely attached so that air in the tire does not escape unnecessarily.
- The tire pressure gauge will automatically display the tire pressure measurement.
- If the measurement is too high, you need to release some air from the tire until the pressure is just right. If the measurement is too low, immediately add air to the tire.
- It is recommended to measure when the tires are cold. This is because tire size often expands when hot. This will certainly reduce the accuracy of the tire pressure measurement.
- If you have to measure when the tires are hot, you can add air to the tire by 1 Psi.
Using Visual Inspection
If you do not have a measuring tool, you can rely on your eyesight. The steps to do this are:
- Observe the shape of your car tire. If it appears bulging, it means the tire pressure is too high. If it looks flat, it means the pressure needs to be increased. This step should be done in bright conditions.
- If it seems insufficient, you can tap the tire with your foot, a hammer, or a wooden block. If the tire makes a loud sound and bounces back from your tap, then the tire pressure is too high. If the tire makes a very soft sound and does not bounce back, then the tire pressure needs to be increased immediately.
Tire pressure is one of the things that car owners commonly overlook. In fact, it is crucial for the performance of a car. Tire pressure affects the comfort of the driver while driving. Therefore, it is important to know the standard tire pressure for a car.
In addition to knowing the standard tire pressure, you also need to know how to measure tire pressure yourself. To do this, you just need to follow the methods we have outlined above.
Read also: Best Tire Brands
Author: Anggie Warsito