Step-by-Step Guide: How to Add Air to Your Subaru Tires for Optimal Safety and Efficiency

If you own a Subaru car, you know the importance of keeping it in good condition. One of the most crucial aspects of car maintenance is checking and maintaining proper tire pressure. Not only does it ensure your safety on the road but also improves fuel efficiency, saves money, and extends the life of your tires. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to add air to your Subaru tires to keep them in optimal condition.

Why Proper Tire Pressure is Important

Maintaining the correct tire pressure is crucial for your safety on the road. Overinflated or underinflated tires can lead to many problems such as increased risk of accidents, decreased handling, irregular wear and tear in the tires, blowouts, and decreased fuel efficiency.

When your tires are underinflated, they create a drag that takes more energy to overcome, leading to a decrease in fuel efficiency. Overinflated tires, on the other hand, decrease the surface area of the tire in contact with the road, resulting in less traction and decreasing grip, which increases your risk of accidents.

How to Check Tire Pressure

Before you add air to your Subaru tires, you need to know the recommended tire pressure for your specific vehicle. You can find this information in several places, including the car owner’s manual, Subaru’s official website, or the tire information placard found inside the car doors or glove box.

Once you know the recommended tire pressure, use a tire pressure gauge to check that your tire pressure is correct. Here’s how:

1. Remove the valve cap from the tire’s valve stem.
2. Press the tire pressure gauge onto the valve stem and hold it firmly in place.
3. Wait for the tire pressure gauge to display the tire pressure reading.
4. Check the reading on the gauge against your Subaru’s recommended tire pressure.

Repeat the process for all four tires, including the spare tire.

Steps to Add Air to Tires

If your tire pressure reading is below the recommended level, it’s time to add air to your tires. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Park your car near an air compressor or a gas station with an air filling station.
2. Remove the cap from the valve stem of the tire you want to inflate.
3. Attach the air hose to the valve stem and hold it firmly in place.
4. Turn on the air compressor or fill the tire with an air filling station.
5. Check the tire pressure with a gauge periodically.
6. When the tire reaches the recommended pressure level, turn off the air supply and remove the air hose.
7. Replace the valve stem cap.

Repeat the process for all four tires, including the spare tire.

Equipment Needed

To add air to your Subaru tires, you need a few pieces of equipment, including:

1. Tire Pressure Gauge: A tool used to measure the tire pressure. You can choose between analog or digital gauges.
2. Air Compressor: A compressed air machine used to inflate the tires to the recommended pressure.
3. Air Hose: A tube used to transfer compressed air from the air compressor to the tire valve stem.

Safety Precautions

Adding air to your tires requires some safety precautions to ensure that the process is safe and effective:

1. Do not overinflate your tires above the recommended pressure.
2. Use only the recommended tire pressure, which you can find in the owner’s manual, the tire information placard, or online.
3. The engine should be turned off to ensure that the tire is not hot and to prevent the risk of accidents.
4. Do not stand in front of the tire or between the tire and the machine while inflating the tire.
5. Check the tire pressure periodically to prevent overinflation or underinflation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes people make when adding air to their Subaru tires:

1. Ignoring spare tire: Remember to check and inflate your spare tire regularly.
2. Filling tires in hot conditions: Wait until the tire is cool before inflating it to prevent overinflation.
3. Relying only on the tire’s appearance: Do not rely on the tire’s appearance to check the pressure; use a tire pressure gauge instead.

FAQs

Q. How often should I check my tire pressure?
A. You should check your tire pressure regularly at least once per month and before any long drives.

Q. What is the recommended tire pressure for my Subaru?
A. The recommended tire pressure for your Subaru depends on the make, model, and year. Consult the owner’s manual or tire information placard for more information.

Q. Can I overinflate my tires?
A. Yes, overinflated tires can be dangerous. They can decrease your car’s grip on the road, leading to accidents, and reduce their stability.

Adding air to your Subaru tires is a crucial part of your vehicle’s maintenance routine. It ensures safer driving, better performance, and long-lasting tires. With these simple steps and precautions, you can maintain your car’s tire pressure correctly.