How To Check Tire Pressure Without A Gauge?

Imagine you are out on the road on a family trip, and suddenly you realize your car's tires have insufficient air. Yes, you can't even think of such a weird situation like this, can you? That's why it is essential to check the tires before hitting the road.

Yet, not all of us have the gauge by which we can check the tire pressure. So, knowing how to check tire pressure without a gauge can be handy at some moments.

And today, our article is all about it. Keep reading till the end and learn about the tricks of checking tire pressure without a gauge.

How To Check Tire Pressure Without A Gauge?

Inaccurate tire pressure causes more fuel consumption and sometimes a disaster on the road. So, keeping an eye on tires is essential.

Thankfully, there are several ways of checking tire pressure without gauges. If you can learn them, your trip won't be troublesome.

• Hand pressure:

It's the easiest and primary method of checking tire pressure. You can check tire pressure with your hands.

Push one or two of your fingers onto the tires. Try to feel something. If you feel something soft and squishy in the tire, then it needs air. And if it feels solid, then you are ready to go.

But keep one thing in mind, if the tires feel rock hard and solid, it can cause you some trouble. In this case, let some air go out of the tire. Make sure there is a balance between soft and rock-solid in the wheels.

• Visual confirmation:

In this case, you have to depend on your eyes. You have to observe the curve of the tire and figure out whether it is protruding.

First, park your vehicle on a relatively flat road. Then watch the tires from a fair distance from both sides, front and back. If you notice slightly protruding, then it's a sign of low pressure on the tire.

Check each tire with the same technique. If any of the tires is out of its curve, then get some air on it. However, in this procedure, you have to be good at your eyes.

• Weights on the wheels:

You can also check the tire pressure by loading some weights on your vehicle. Put a sufficient amount of cargo on the car and notice the tires.

If it's jutting out more than 10% than usual, it indicates that the tire is running out of decent air.

The process also needs your sight to be sharp. And if it's your car, it's better not to go with this particular process.

• Driving experience:

If you are driving for a considerable number of years, you certainly have gathered some knowledge. And, with the case of low tire pressure, you may have noticed some symptoms while driving.

Symptoms such as rough ride, noise while turning the wheel, and having problems with the steering. If you notice any of these symptoms while driving, immediately pump the tire.

• Trail comparison method:

It's a bit of a fancy way, I can tell you. By doing it, you'll have fun, and it is effective as well.

All you have to do in this method is pour some water on the tires. Get them wet. Then drive on a dry surface and make sure the tires make one and a half rotations.

Now, get off to the car and see the watermarks of tires on the road. Compare every wheel. And figure out which one is protruding out of its size.

When To Check The Tire Pressure?

As we are talking about checking tire pressure, it is so relevant to discuss when we should check it. You might notice we already said, checking tire pressure before going for a trip is mandatory.

But what if you don't have any trips for a long time? Experts say It is good to check the tire pressure once a month and always before hitting the road.

And there is another thing you should keep in mind that the accurate tire pressure varies according to the vehicle and the size of the tire.

If you check the manual, you can get a good idea about it. Generally, there are considered two kinds of tire inflation pressures—one for regular driving and the other for cargo-loaded vehicles.

How Do I Find The Correct Tire Pressure For My Car?

Having the correct tire pressure for your car is essential for getting good mileage. Also, it enhances the life of tires.

If you are newly bought a car, then you can find the recommended tire pressure on a sticker inside the drivers' door. Even if you don't have the sticker, the manual will give a clear idea about it.

Most cars are recommended between 32PSI to 35PSI for tire pressure. And this regulation is suggested for when the vehicle is cold. When tires roll along the road, the friction creates heat. And it enhances the temperature and the air pressure in the tires.

That's why, when you are checking the tire pressure, make sure the tires are cold. So, you should check the tire pressure when your car has been off overnight or at least make sure that it has been parked for a few hours.

The Effects Of Incorrect Tire Pressure

Incorrect tire pressure can make a substantial impact while driving. As we said, it sometimes can cause a road accident. So, knowing the effects may make us more cautious.

• If the tires of your car are inflated, you may lose control of your driving. And it can affect the stability of tires. Also, the braking distance and the act of braking itself can be effected through it.

• If you are driving with inflated tires, there is a massive chance of tires blowing out.

• The grip of tires decreases, and it increases the difficulty with your steering.

• When the tire pressure is low, it enhances fuel consumption.

• It affects controlling your car. So, when you make a turn or try to change direction, it will cause trouble. And its consequences can be hazardous.

Conclusion

Tire pressure is a vital thing to check before going for a drive. With the tire pressure of recommended PSI, you're safe to drive. As you get to learn about checking tire pressure without a gauge, now, you are good to go.

Without the gadget, we hope you can check the tire pressure by yourself. But, make sure that you are checking it correctly according to our guidelines. Following the procedures we mentioned above, check your tires regularly and have a safe driving experience.