Checking the pressure in tires is a simple process with only one tool necessary. A tire pressure gauge. Tire gauges are precision tools and should be stored as such, in a clean, dry location. I consider this to be one of the most important tools you will ever own, so do some research and purchase a high-quality one. There are several styles available online, even digital gauges, just don’t buy the cheapest one you can find.
Quite simply checking tire pressure is a four-step process. 1. Remove the cap from the valve stem. 2. Press the tire gauge onto the end of the valve stem and release. 3. Read the gauge. 4. Reinstall the valve stem cap that was previously removed. If the gauge reads the tire is low, the tire must be inflated to proper pressure. Truck stops that have shops will have an air hose that can be used to air up the tire.
To air up a tire, remove the cap from the valve stem. Using a tire chuck that is fitted to an air hose, press the chuck to the end of the valve stem, you should be able to hear air moving into the tire. Check the tire pressure several times during the inflation process so you don’t over inflate the tire. Once the tire is at the desired pressure reinstall the valve stem cap, the cap should be metal on a commercial motor vehicle.
We run a Truck Systems Technologies (TST) tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Utilizing the TPMS we get an accurate reading on the tire pressure constantly; the unit reads the tire pressure in every tire rotating thru each tire in every position. If there is a tire underinflation read, the unit will give an audible and visual alarm. Notifying you of which tire is low and by how much, it also gives tire temperatures. A high temp tire doesn’t always mean there is a problem with a tire, it could be a brake dragging or a wheel bearing running hot. One would still need to check the tire pressures with a gauge every week to verify the TPMS is still accurate.
Watch the video and I will show you how to do a tire pressure check as I explain the process. Till next time, be safe out there!