Even in Hawaii, the air inside your tires can fluctuate. While not as drastic as most of the country, the air becomes denser with even a slight drop in temperature and causes the pressure in the tires to decrease. According to Tire Warehouse Kauai, a tire store in Lihue, HI, you should periodically check these pressure levels to ensure your vehicle continues to be safe to drive.

Before you begin checking the pressure in each of your tires, you need to find out what the recommended pounds per square inch (psi) is for your specific vehicle. You can either find this information in your owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door. Typically, for a passenger car, the recommended level is 32 to 35 psi.

It’s always best to check the pressure in the morning before you’ve driven. To do this, you’ll need a pressure gauge, which can be found at most gas stations or auto stores, if you don’t already have one. 

First, you need to remove the end caps from your tires’ air valves and place them in a secure location. The tip of the pressure gauge should be placed over the valve stem to get a psi reading; you should attempt this a few times to ensure the number you are getting is correct. If the psi was above the recommended level, push the gauge tip on the valve stem to release some of the air, doing a new reading after. However, if the psi was below the recommendation, use an air hose to fill the tires. Be sure to add air in short bursts to avoid overfilling, and check the pressure level after each addition.

If your current set of tires is suffering from more than low air pressure, visit Tire Warehouse Kauai. This tire store has provided the entire island with the best tire options since 1974. Stop by today for a new installation, or call (808) 245-6754 to speak with one of their friendly and knowledgeable staff members. You can also visit the tire store online to learn more about their services and available brands.