Proper Inflation

INFLATION PRESSURE

Tires are designed and built with great care to provide thousands of miles of excellent service. But for maximum benefit they must be maintained properly.

The most important factors in tire care are:

• Proper Inflation Pressure
• Proper Vehicle Loading
• Proper Tire Wear
• Regular Inspection
• Good Driving Habits
• Vehicle Condition
• Alignment
• Regular Tire Rotations

The Benefits of Proper Inflation

With the right amount of air pressure, you will achieve optimum tire performance. This means your tires wear longer, save fuel and help prevent accidents. The "right amount" of air is the pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer, which may be different on the front than the rear tires on your particular model car or light truck. The correct air pressure is shown on the tire placard (or sticker) attached to the vehicle door edge, doorpost, glove box door or fuel door. If your vehicle doesn't have a placard, check the owner's manual. Please feel free to stop by any Sullivan Tire location and we would be happy to check your tire pressure for you free of charge.

Your Own Tire Pressure Gauge

It is difficult to tell just by looking at radial tires whether they are under inflated. It is important that tires be properly inflated. Failure to maintain correct inflation pressures may result in rapid wear and uneven tread wear, improper vehicle handling and excessive heat buildup, which may result in tire failure. (Evidence of air loss or repeated under inflation requires tire removal and expert inspection.)

Air pressure enables a tire to support the load, so proper inflation is critical. It is impossible to determine whether tires are properly inflated just by looking at them (see photo). That's why it's important to check your tires using an accurate tire gauge. Note: It's natural for radial tires to have a slight bulge in the sidewall at their proper inflation pressure. Don’t forget to check the spare.

Inflation Tips

Check tire inflation pressure (including the spare) at least once a month and before every long trip. Tires must be checked when they are cold; that is, before they have been run a mile. If you must drive over one mile for air, before you leave home, measure the cold inflation pressure of each tire and record the actual under-inflation amount for each tire.

Upon arriving at the service station, measure the inflation pressure of each tire again, and then inflate the warm tire(s) to a level equal to the warm pressure plus the under inflated amount you measured when the tire was cold. If the cold tire inflation pressure matches the placard recommendation, then no further adjustment is necessary for the warm tire.

Under inflation

When operating a vehicle equipped with radial tires, it is difficult to notice when a tire has lost air, or is near flat.

Tires lose air normally through the process of permeation. Changes in outdoor temperature can affect the rate in which your tire loses air. This change is more pronounced in hot weather. Generally speaking, a tire may lose one or two pounds of air per month in cool weather, and even more in warmer weather. Under inflation is the leading cause of tire failure, so check inflation pressure regularly.

Never "bleed" or reduce air pressure when tires are hot. It is normal for pressures to build up as a result of driving.

Make sure all tire valves and extensions are equipped with valve caps to keep out dirt and moisture. Have a new valve stem assembly installed whenever a tire is replaced.

Under inflation or overloading creates excessive stresses and heat, and can lead to tire failure. Proper inflation extends tire life and saves fuel.

Maintain the inflation pressure listed in the vehicle owner's manual or on the tire placard.

Proper Vehicle Loading

In addition to showing the vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold inflation pressure, the tire placard also shows the maximum load of the vehicle. Do not overload your vehicle. Remember, baggage carried on top of any vehicle counts as additional load.

If you are towing a trailer, remember that some of the weight of the loaded trailer transfers to the towing vehicle. This reduces the load that can safely be placed in the towing vehicle. The only sure way to prevent overload is to weigh, axle by axle, and the fully loaded vehicle on reliable platform scales.