How to Check Tire Tread and Pressure
Ever wonder when or how to check your tire pressure or tread? Yeah, most people probably don’t but now is the perfect time to start! After all, tire pressure and tread are essential to safe and economic driving.
Tread
Checking tire tread thickness is easier than you may think. All you need is a penny!
Simply stick the penny, Lincoln head upside down, into one of the gaps. Can you see the very top of Lincoln’s head? You need new tires. Can’t see it? Your tires are fine!
Pressure
Checking your tire is just as easy as checking the tread. The only thing you need for this is a tire pressure gauge and the optimal tire pressure listed on the inside of your door frame or owner’s manual.
Once you have these, remove the valve stem cap off the valve stem (that’s the tiny little black cap on that little tube). Once off, firmly press your tire pressure gauge onto the valve stem.
You should hear a quick “pfft” sound (the air escaping) followed by silence. This only takes a second so once your gauge gives you a reading, remove it from the valve stem and replace the valve stem cap.
If your tires are below the recommended pressure value, have them filled. This can be down yourself with an air compressor or even a bike pump. This can also be done at most gas stations, tire shops, or auto body shops.
Author: B. Delamater
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