Using a tire pressure gauge involves several steps: holding, reading, and measuring. When holding the gauge, ensure the angle between the center line of the pressure measurement port and the gauge body axis is between 90 and 180 degrees. Before reading, gently tap the casing to eliminate friction. When reading the pressure value, align the pointer with its reflection in the mirror for accuracy to one decimal place. During measurement, align the groove of the measuring end with the valve stem and press. The value displayed by the pointer or indicator is the tire inflation pressure. Using a tire pressure gauge is not complicated; following the above steps correctly will ensure accurate tire pressure measurement and safe driving.
Before formal measurement, some preparatory work is essential. First, ensure the tires are cold. It is generally recommended to measure after the tires have cooled for at least three hours, as hot tires will have higher pressure, leading to inaccurate measurements. Also, you need to know the vehicle's normal tire pressure value. This can be found in the owner's manual or on the tire pressure information sticker, usually located on the driver's door frame or inside the fuel tank door.
When measuring, first unscrew the valve cap and carefully clean any dirt to prevent affecting measurement accuracy. Then, accurately align the groove of the tire pressure gauge's measuring end with the tire valve stem, gently press and tighten. Ensure the valve core is properly pressed in and there is a tight seal between the gauge and the valve stem without any air leaks. During this process, the pointer will deflect according to the internal pressure of the tire. After the pointer stops moving, the indicated value is the tire pressure.
If the pressure is too high after measurement, you can release some air by pressing the release valve. If the pressure is too low, you need to use an air pump to add air. Additionally, some tire pressure gauges require pressing and holding the setting button for about 3 seconds to receive the ID before operation; be aware of this specific requirement.
Different types of tire pressure gauges may have slight differences. Common units include bar, kg/cm², and Psi; familiarize yourself with these unit conversions. In short, mastering the correct method of using a tire pressure gauge and regularly checking tire pressure will keep your tires in good condition and ensure safe travel.
