tire pressure question

[sdpapet]

Hi, I have some questions about the tire pressure. Last time, I felt car was not stable when I drove on freeway. It might be because I am a new driver. Someone told me it could be a tire pressure problem? (I forget why, but I remember he said 4 tires should be equal pressure).

1>How often I should check it? Last time I notice my tire pressure was low because there was a hole in my tire (This happened in spring). After I repaired it, I never check it. Untill two month ago, service center people checked it. It's been two months.

2>I only have a simple stick gauge. I doubt the accuracy. Most of gas stations, where I charge the air, they also have this kind of gauge. Should I buy a better one (electric gauge)?

3>Don't we have tire pressure monitor in Sonic? Why we don't trust it?

4>tire pressure is a range, right? Should we charge less in summer (follow the lower limit) or more in winter (follow the upper limit)

 

[Natesriv]

1: eyeball it. Check when cold, not after driving.
2: Might be a good idea to research some, don't need a supercomputer one, but if you can find a good digital one... good idea to buy
3: Yes...you'll see TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) every so often. Sensors mounted to the air valve stem.. it only alerts to low, doesn't give actual amounts of PSI
4: I'd keep it at the recommended settings found on the door panel. Lower could help in snow (deeper stuff), but Chevy has selected a tire that meets MOST weather requirements. It's more a factor of how good your tires are, not the size of the contact patch.

The TMPS will alert you if the tire pressure goes below a set value... but you will see a variance before the light goes on... I rarely check mine as I've found they don't vary much...but I've aftermarket wheels & tires too...


CONSUMER REPORTS - BEST GAUGES
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/tire-pressure-gauges.htm

 

[SuperFudd]

I get a monthly OnStar report that has included the tire pressure for each tire but it was not included in the latest report. Whatup wid dat?

 

[Natesriv]

hmmmm they must be doing some "math" or interpreting the data coming to the computer... would be nice to HAVE THAT data... That great big Mylink screen is full of empty space!

 

[sdpapet]

Hi Natesriv,

How often should I check the pressure? You know, each time i check the pressure, air has to come out.

If I check it too often, will my tires eventually get flat?

 

[Natesriv]

after 10 million checks without refilling

The gauge, if used properly only "hisses" for a split second...then the gauge traps the air and gives a pressure reading. If you don't seat it correctly it'll hiss and you'll loose some air.

I'd get a good gauge and check once a week when car is cool (cool tires)... if you notice no change you can increase to longer periods... I suspect a good sealed tire won't have pressure problems which require lots of checking....

 

[sleepybird09]

get an electric gauge that way you have an accurate reading. (number). i use mines along with the gas station air machine as i cant tell what the gauges say sometimes.

i check my air about every 2 weeks. or so. usually i do this when i wash/detail my car.

i also bought me an air pump its a small one from Slime got it at walmart think it was $15. dont remember but its small enough to fit in my hand. i use it to top off my tire pressure. (its kinda loud but for the size i cant complain.)

i run 40psi all around. checked on cold tires. pressure goes up when they heat up..

 

[carsNskis]

For convenience you could install something like this
http://goo.gl/gq3crq

This would give you real time readings and save the hassle of constantly checking manually.

 

[Papasonic]

As others have mentioned; the recommended pressure is on the label in the driver's door jamb, go by this for proper tire life and handling properties.

An accurate gauge is beneficial to maintain proper pressures. I have many different types; pencil style that use a spring inside, electronic digital, and bourdon tube dial type. The most accurate in my opinion is the bourdon tube dial gauge. I keep these in my tool box, and use them to verify the accuracy of the pencil type gauges. If I'm awake and dressed, I have a pencil type tire gauge in my pocket. When I'm at work, I have two of them: One measures lower pressures, up to 45 psi. The other measures up to 120 psi.

Another important thing to remember is that ambient temperature has a substantial effect an tire pressure. There is about a 1 psi change per 10 degrees of temperature variation; especially important if you live in a climate that has a wide temperature variation between seasons.

As far as how frequently to check; that will come from experience. If you check them every week and they stay up, you can extend the frequency of checking. I've found that I usually need to add/adjust pressures in most tires monthly. Another tip is to check pressures prior to any long trip, especially if carrying an extra load or driving at higher speeds; this is critical!