November 19, 2022
Know the Whys and Hows of Inflating Your Tires
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Every car owner knows that routine maintenance is vital in keeping their vehicle in optimal condition. However, they often overlook certain tasks, one of which is keeping their tires properly inflated.
Checking your tire pressure periodically should be a priority since this helps you stay safe on the road. Here are the other reasons for doing this:
- Proper inflation of your tires provides you with better fuel economy.
- It helps optimize tire performance.
- It extends your tires’ lifespan.
- It improves your handling and control of your car.
- It lowers your risk of tire blowouts.
- It avoids tire heat buildup and potential rolling hazards.
- It helps the environment by reducing carbon footprint.
What Happens When Your Tires Are Improperly Inflated?
Your tires need proper pressure for you to drive safely and efficiently. If your tires are underinflated, they become fatter, thus increasing their surface area. In turn, this results in higher heat generation and more resistance, which means increased risks of tire blowouts, tire damage, loss of control, and higher fuel costs.
Overinflated tires are just as dangerous, as they can also cause blowouts and reduce braking performance. Such tires are also more prone to damage from debris.
When Should You Check Your Tire Pressure?
There’s no definite answer to this. Most tire and vehicle manufacturers will tell you to check your tire pressure at least once a month or every second trip to the gas pump. Others will say that once every three to six months is the right time to do it.
Ideally, you’ll want to consider these factors when checking the pressure on your tires:
- Driving frequency and distance
- Weight carried by your vehicle
- Seasonal changes
Another reason for checking your tires periodically is to ensure that there are no small punctures or leaky valves in them.
Let’s Get to the Basics of Tire Inflation
Veteran Car Donations shares the following steps you need to take to maintain proper tire pressure:
- Remove the valve stem caps.
Be sure to keep them in your pocket or somewhere easily accessible.
- Check the tire pressure with a tire gauge.
Keep in mind that air hose gauges in most gas stations are inaccurate, so don’t rely too much on them. You can buy your own for as low as $15. While a basic pencil-style tire gauge can get the job done, a digital gauge is much easier and more reliable.
- Fill the tires to the recommended PSI.
To check your car tires’ recommended PSI, look on the driver’s side door jamb or your owner’s manual. If you can’t find the information, consult your vehicle manufacturer, dealer, or any tire professional.
Go to a nearby gas station that has a coin-operated air pump or use an air compressor if you have one. Fill each tire for 10 to 15 seconds, then check the tire pressure using a gauge. Add more air until you reach the recommended pressure.
If you’re at a gas station, make sure you park where the hose can reach all tires. In the case of an automatic air pump, it will ask you to set the desired PSI before filling the tire. It will produce a beeping sound as soon as the tire is filled to your desired PSI.
Make sure that you check the air pressure as you go. If the reading goes beyond the recommended PSI, release air by depressing the center valve pin with a tire gauge or a similar tool.
- You’re done!
Once all tires have the right pressure, you may return the air hose to the compressor, which will then shut off automatically. Use the gauge to check your tire pressure again.
This time, it wouldn’t matter if you overfilled the tires because you can just release some air out. Just be sure not to drive on overinflated tires.
Screw those valve caps back on and your tires are as good as new!
Turn Your Unwanted Auto into a Life-Changer for Our Needy Veterans
Did you know that your shabby-looking car can be turned into something magnificent? That will happen when you turn it over to us at Veteran Car Donations. We’ll use it to transform the lives of disadvantaged and neglected veterans in your community.
We’ll have your auto auctioned off, with the proceeds distributed to our veteran-focused charity partners. Like us, these IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to helping former service members who are living miserable lives — those who are homeless, impoverished, jobless, and suffering from serious disabilities and illnesses, including mental disorders.
Our nonprofit partners use the funding we give them to provide deserving veterans with housing and financial assistance, employment and livelihood opportunities, family support, free quality health care and medical treatment, psychotherapy services, scholarships, and many other benefits that are all meant to uplift their lives.
You will be amply rewarded for your charitable contribution. You will enjoy our fast and free pickup and towing service anywhere you are in the country. What’s more, your donation will entitle you to receive the highest possible tax deduction in the next tax season.
However, the best reward you’ll get is the joy of knowing that your gift will be used to give our nation’s hurting heroes the opportunities to live the healthy and decent life they fully deserve.
You can donate almost any type of vehicle whether still in good condition or no longer.
For more information about our vehicle donation program, you may browse through our FAQs page. Message us here or give us a call anytime through our toll-free hotline at 877-594-5822 if you have any concerns or inquiries,
Extend a Helping Hand to Our Hurting Heroes Today!
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Reach out to the suffering veterans in your area and their families with your auto donation. Show them your appreciation and gratitude for their service. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out this secure donation form now!
Last Updated: August 24th, 2023