How to Check Your Tire Pressure
After many miles of driving through Meridian, Philadelphia, and Laurel, MS, losing some air pressure in your tires is common. While slight air pressure loss in your tires is normal, it’s not a good sign if you’re losing tire pressure fast and on a regular basis. If you’re experiencing frequent air loss, this could mean you have a flat tire.
Before scheduling a service appointment with our team at BMW of Meridian, you should check your tire pressure to see if it’s too high or too low. Checking your tire pressure is a fast-and-easy process when you follow these recommendations!
Steps to Check Your Tire Pressure
As we mentioned, checking your tire pressure is a simple process. All you’ll need is a tire pressure gauge and a pen and paper. A tire pressure gauge can be purchased at most gas stations and auto part stores for a very affordable price.
The best time to check your tire pressure is after your vehicle has been sitting for a few hours. At this point, your tires will be cooled down, and you’ll get a more accurate reading.
To start, take a look at your vehicle’s recommended PSI for each tire and write each PSI down on your paper. Next, remove the valve cap of your tire and place the gauge over the system. Then, take a look at the number that appears on the gauge. Repeat this process on all four tires.
If the measured PSIs are smaller or larger than the recommended numbers, your tire pressure is either too high or too low. Tires that don’t have the right air pressure should be corrected right away to ensure a safe driving experience.
Do I Have a Flat Tire?
Occasionally, the loss of air pressure in your tire is caused from a flat. If you drove over a piece of debris in the road and heard a thumping noise right after, this is a sign that you probably have a flat tire. Another sign you have a flat tire is when you notice your steering wheel pulling to the left or right, depending on the tire that was damaged. If you believe you have a flat tire, it’s important to get it fixed right away.
Today, most vehicles come with a Tire Pressure Warning System, which sends you an alert when you have low tire pressure. If you get a tire pressure warning, check your tires right away for signs of a flat tire.
Does My Flat Tire Need to Be Repaired or Replaced?
Most of the time, flat tires can be repaired with a plug or a patch. However, sometimes a flat results in a complete tire replacement. When you’re examining the tire that’s losing air, the following signs indicate you’ll most likely just need a repair:
- Punctures in the tire are in the tread area, not on the side or the edge
- No significant loss of pressure
- Puncture in your tire was no more than a quarter of an inch in diameter
On the other hand, these are the signs your tire will need to be replaced:
- Punctures on the side or edge of your tire
- Large cuts or gashes in tire
- Repeated damaged—you can’t repair the same puncture twice
- Damage to the tire’s inner liner
Schedule Your Tire Service with Us
Whether you just need a tire repair or you need your tire replaced, our service team at BMW of Meridian takes pride in providing a hassle-free experience. Drivers near Meridian, Philadelphia, or Laurel, MS, who are ready for their next tire service can give us a call today!