A tire gauge measures air pressure in tires, with recommended PSI levels stamped on the tire and included in a chart. Underinflated tires reduce fuel efficiency and increase tire failure, while over-inflated tires can cause blowouts and poor handling. Commercial tire gauges come in different forms, including a pen-like gauge with a plastic tube and gauge marks denoting pounds of air pressure. Another type is connected to a commercial air compressor at gas stations. It’s important to keep tires properly inflated, especially before long trips and during hot weather.
A tire gauge measures the air pressure in any pneumatic (air-filled) wheel or tire. Results are usually read in PSI, pounds (of air) per square inch. Automotive tires have recommended PSI levels stamped on the tire itself and included in a chart inside the driver’s side door panel. After reading a tire gauge, the PSI number is compared to the tire manufacturers recommended PSI and compressed air can be added until the ideal pressure is reached. Underinflated tires can cause poor fuel efficiency and a higher chance of tire failure. Over-inflated tires can cause dangerous blowouts and a noticeable loss of handling.
A commercial tire gauge comes in different forms. One of the most popular types resembles a pen, complete with a clip for shirt pockets. At one end of the tire gauge is a rounded tip with a small opening and a post in the center. This spike fits snugly over a standard tire inflation valve. As the user presses the tire gauge onto the valve, some air may escape from the tire. This shouldn’t affect the actual reading much, but a good watertight seal is important.
At the other end of the pen-style tire gauge is a square opening that houses a plastic tube. On the side of this tube are gauge marks denoting pounds of air pressure. Air escaping from the tire valve forces the plastic tube out of the casing at a predetermined rate. Once the tube has stopped moving, the user can look at the last visible calibration mark to determine the current PSI level of the tire. If the gauge reads 25 PSI and the recommendation is 35 PSI, then ten ‘pounds’ of air must be added to the tire. An air compressor with a proper tire valve accessory can add extra pounds until the tire gauge reads 35 PSI. Overinflated tires can be adjusted by manually depressing the tire valve stem until enough air has been released.
Another type of tire gauge is connected to a commercial air compressor at gas stations. Customers can check each tire’s PSI readings for free by connecting the compressor hose to each valve stem. A metal tube makes the same measurements as the plastic version, with a spring to return it to the housing between readings. If a tire is found to be low in pressure, the customer can activate the coin-operated compressor and add more air. The attached tire gauge can be used at any time to measure the process.
Keeping tires properly inflated is something every driver can learn to do. It is especially important to check your tires before long trips and during extremely hot weather. Periodically check the air pressure in your spare tire and any other vehicle that uses pneumatic tires, such as a lawn mower or trailer.
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