There are few things more dangerous than driving with low tire pressure. The proper inflation of your tires is critical for your safety particularly if you are traveling long distances or driving on a highway.
Fortunately, it simply takes a few minutes of your time and little to no prior understanding of automobiles or mechanics to do this. You may do it when you stop at a convenience store. However, the paramount question on your mind is probably how much all these steps cost.
To know the overall costs of fixing low tire pressure, you need to know the steps that are taken to fix low tire pressure. These steps in most cases add to the total bill.
Let’s examine the steps below:
Steps That Influence The Cost of Fixing Low Tire Pressure
The steps to inflate the tire pressure are pretty straightforward. It only takes a few minutes even if you’re fixing the pressure of all your tires.
The steps to fix low tire pressure are:
1. Removing the Valve Stem Cap
To do this, you must detach the plastic cap that rests over the valve stem. It is necessary to remove the wheel covers from the steel rims with wheel covers. After that, the plastic cap is stored in a secure location. This is because it will need to be screwed in afterward.
It is important to take this step to prevent dirt and debris from going into the valve stem. This may get in the way when you’re trying to inflate or test the pressure in your tires the next time you wish to do so. Hence, it’s an important step.
2. Using a tire pressure gauge to determine the current pressure in the tires
The end of the line from the tire gauge is inserted into the valve stem and tightened. To avoid hissing sounds, the button is pressed as firmly as necessary.
The reading may then be double-checked. On analog gauges, the needle should leap as soon as it is moved. On digital gauges, on the other hand, there’s normally a button to press to turn it on. Among these processes, one of the most important predictors of cost is the amount of existing pressure.
3. Checking recommended tire pressure for the car
The difference between existing tire pressure and the one in your car greatly influences fixing costs. You can check the recommended tire pressure for your car on a sticker placed on the door sill of the driver’s or passenger’s side door.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for there, it’s advisable to consult the owner’s handbook.
4. Inflating the tires to the recommended pressure
This is the final step when fixing low tire pressure. This is usually done with an air pump. The end of the hose is put on the valve stem and fastened in place until the valve is closed. If you hear a hissing sound, it means that it is not yet able to inflate the tire.
On certain air pumps, the tip of the hose must be firmly placed against the valve stem for it to function properly. Pumping may begin when all of these issues have been resolved. Tire pressure should be checked every 15-30 seconds since underinflated tires will not function as effectively as properly inflated tires.
Overinflation of the tire is not a significant issue. All you have to do is push the core of the valve stem with a sharp tool. Then, the tire will begin to deflate on its own.
Cost of Fixing Low Tire Pressure
We mentioned earlier that fixing tire pressure is dependent on the steps that are taken to achieve the result. Now that we know these steps, let’s examine the overall cost of fixing low tire pressure.
Fixing tires in a gas station is free in some countries, however, if this service is not free in yours, you should make a budget for fixing it. This can cost between a few cents to around $20 per tire. This budget is flexible because the services are relatively cheap in countries where you pay to fix tire pressure.
Want to Save The Cost of Fixing Low Tire Pressure Long Term? Here’s How
Looking at the steps that it takes to fix low tire pressure, you might prefer to keep doing it yourself. Moreover, getting an air pump saves costs long term.
Also, some tires need pressure increase for heavy-duty jobs and towing. Hence, having your air pump and pressure gauge would come in handy. Getting an air pump costs between $15 to $50 depending on the quality.
A pressure gauge on the other hand costs around $10 to $20. Having these two saves you the cost of driving down to gas stations especially if you have to pay there.
For the best results when inflating tires yourself. Keep these in mind:
- Tire pressure should be checked regularly. It’s preferable to do it once a week, but at least once a month is recommended, especially before a long road trip.
- A good pressure gauge is essential. Dial and digital gauges are more precise, although they may be purchased for as little as $10 to as much as $20.
- Inflate your tires according to the manufacturer’s specifications, not the pressure molded into the tire sidewalls.
- Ensure that the tires are not heated before driving by checking the pressures of the tires while they are at rest.
- When tires are heated, it is usual to have an elevated pressure measurement (generally 2 to 6 psi higher).
- Towing, transporting big goods, or long-distance highway driving may require higher tire pressures.
Conclusion
Fixing a low tire pressure is a piece of cake in today’s world. An air pump can be found at any petrol station, and you can even buy a cheap automated one and put it in your trunk.
You can’t justify slamming on the brakes while your tires are underinflated. Fixing low tire pressure is affordable!
Hi, my name is Niklas, the head content creator & CEO of Whirling Wheelz. I am very interested in vehicles of all kinds, mainly cars. I have a car mechanics degree from high school and a big hobby of mine is to follow the WRC (World Rally Championship) both online and through travel.
