How to Check the Tire Pressure at a Gas Station

Check Tire Pressure at a Gas Station

Checking and maintaining correct tire pressure can help improve the driver's fuel efficiency and the life of their vehicle's tires. Knowing how to check the tire pressure at a gas station can be useful for road trips where it's not easy to find a reliable tire pressure monitoring system. Here is what you need to do:

• Bring your vehicle to the gas station and park near one of the air stations.
• Locate the tire pressure gauge or pressure checking device.
• Unlock the air station and choose the right size of air hose.
• Remove the dust caps from the tires.
• Place the end of the air hose on the tire valve and press the button for the air hose to start the flow of air.
• Remove the air hose from the tire valve and place it in the gauge.
• Check the reading on the pressure gauge against the vehicle's tire pressure indicated in the car's manual and topped up or deflate as required.
• Repeat for each tire.

Once the tire pressure is correct, don't forget to replace the dust caps and the air hose in the hose-holder.

Checking Tire Pressure at a Gas Station

Keeping tires at the correct air pressure is essential to your vehicle’s performance and your safety while driving. Before taking your car on a long trip, it’s important to check the tire pressure at a gas station. Follow these steps to verify the air pressure in your tires.

Step One: Locate the Air Machine

Most gas stations will have an air machine in the center of the fueling area, typically next to the car wash. It will often be denoted by a tire or air symbol and it may have a number of options and features you will need.

Step Two: Prepare the Air Machine

Once you’ve located the air machine, begin to prepare it for checking the tire pressure. Insert payment into the machine according to the instructions. Once payment is accepted, you should be able to choose between extra-high and normal pressure depending on the temperature outside.

Step Three: Attach the Air Hose

Locate the hose attached to the machine and unscrew the cap on the end of the tire. Determine which end of the air hose is appropriate for your tire and attach it.

Step Four: Check the Tire Pressure

The machine should detect the tire pressure and indicate it on the digital display. Compare the reading to the recommended air pressure for your car as listed in your owner’s manual. If you find that your tire pressure is lower than recommended, you may need to add air.

Step Five: Add Air to Your Tire

Locate the adjustment button on the air machine and press it to add the recommended air pressure into your tire. The digital display should change to denote how much air is remaining to inflate the tire. You may find that you have to repeat the air inflation process several times to bring the tire pressure to the recommended level.

Step Six: Re-check the Tire Pressure

After you’ve finished adding air, re-check the tire pressure with the digital display. Once you’ve verified that the air pressure is correct, carefully unscrew the air hose and replace the tire cap.