Description

As we have discussed in previous articles, it is very important that your vehicle’s used tires have the correct pressure for reasons of safety, efficiency and reliability and premature wear and shorter life of the used tires will occur, and be a safety hazard. We have already touched on the effects of temperature on tire pressure making it difficult to get correct readings of the pressure due to the pressures increasing with increase in tire heat caused by running even a few miles at speed. But if you reside in a region with fluctuating or extreme climate conditions, the environmental temperature alone can affect the tire pressure readings. This is why you are well advised to calculate and maintain your used tire’s optimal pressure.

In the tire maintenance section of the owner’s manual for your vehicle, look for the suggested pounds per square inch (PSI) rating. This rating is based on tests carried out by the manufacturer to measure optimal tire performance by your vehicle. Make sure the car has been sitting still overnight or in as close to ‘normal’ temperature (around *0°F) and check the used tire pressure. This is called a cold reading. Now, by checking the sidewall of your tire, find out the maximum amount of air pressure your tire can hold. Also check that all four used tires call for the identical air pressure.