njaremka

welcome back!

so, i went out and bought a digital pressure gauge to keep in my glove box so that i can check the tire pressure when i think of it. then i came on the board here to see what you guys were using in your stock pro's.

i have a few questions:
1. hot pressure / cold pressure - on the door jam it lists tire pressure, but not if it is cold pressure or hot pressure. which one is it?

2. i drove to the parts store, bought the gauge, drove to the gas station, pumped my gas, then checked the tires. it is about 40°F outside. was i checking hot pressure? or did the tires have enough time to cool off so i was checking the cold pressure?

3. i pumped and checked each tire, and filled the fronts to 35 psi and the backs to 32 psi. (all tires were at 23-26 psi before adding any air) should i lower them all, or should they be fine as is?


thanks

randallb

Most manufacturers' specs for tire pressure are cold. If you drive a mile or two to a gas station, you are still probably on cold pressure. One way to determine is to take pressure before you start driving, and then take again at your destination. Difference is approximate increase due to tire heating. If you are adding air to hot tires, and are not sure what pressure to shoot for, just add a couple more lbs than your target, as you can easily release air later when tires are cold.

Basics: Get an accurate tire pressure gauge: dial type or accurate digital. DON'T rely on service station pump gauges!

Tires are porous, and will slowly lose pressure. Check pressure every couple weeks. Low pressure is much worse than high pressure, as high heat from low pressure can destroy a tire.

When it gets cold, air pressure in tires drops. At this time of year in northern US and Canada, you will probably have to add some air.