A quality gas station offers good fuel, great snacks, and air for your wheels. Tire pressure is an underrated part of your vehicle maintenance and riding outside of the recommended levels will have noticeable and costly consequences. Below is your guide to everything you should know about tire pressure before your next gas station stop for air.

Why It’s Important

Tire pressure refers to the amount of air pressure inside your tires, which – when at the correct PSI – allows you to drive on the road without damage. If your tires are underinflated, though, they’ll begin to overheat, which wears down the tread and means you’ll be changing your tires more often than needed. Severely underinflated tires also increase your risk of damaging the mechanisms in the wheel, such as the rims, bearings, and wheel itself.

If your tires are overinflated, you’ll have even bigger problems. Tires with too much air have less surface grip on the road, compromising your ability to control your vehicle and increasing the likelihood of accidents, especially in inclement weather. Keeping your tires at the proper PSI will save you money on repairs and replacements, and it’ll also boost your gas mileage when compared to over- or under-inflated tires.

How to Maintain It

You should check your tire pressure with a gauge at least once a month, but to be thorough, look at them every time you get fuel at a gas station to see if they look low. If they do, you’ll know you need to check them with a gauge, which can be bought from most auto, hardware, or convenience stores. To get the most accurate reading when you check the pressure with the tool, you’ll need to wait until the car has been parked for several hours, as the heat from driving can warp the reading.

The gauge you buy should come with instructions, but in general, you’ll start by twisting off the rubber cap on your tire and press the head of the gauge over it for a second. It should make a brief hiss and pop up with the reading. Don’t leave the gauge on longer than necessary or you could lose more air from your tire. Check each tire this way. Different vehicles have different recommended PSIs, so always check your owner’s manual for guidance.

Get your tires to the right pressure at the Tri-Mart BP gas station in Tripoli, WI. Locally owned and operated since 1992, this friendly gas station and convenience store offers high-grade fuels, delectable snacks, and an air pump to re-inflate your tires. While you’re there, fill up on fresh hot food, games for the kids, or spirits for yourself. Check out their services online and call (715) 564-2440 to inquire about current prices.