How to Put Air in Your Tires

When you have the correct air pressure in your tires, it can improve fuel efficiency and safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), under-inflated tires can reduce your MPG (Mile Per Gallon) as well as affect handling, stopping, and impact-crash avoidance systems. To avoid these issues and keep your tires properly inflated, stop by Les Schwab for a free monthly air check. Schedule your appointment now.

How Do You Know How Much Air to Put in Your Tires

First, the correct pressure or PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch) of air inside your tires is not printed on the side of the tire. That is the maximum (cold) pressure that should not be exceeded, which can be very different from your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure.

The recommended tire pressure for your vehicle (and spare tire) is located in your owner’s manual or on the driver’s side door sticker. In many cases, it will list the pressure for both the front and back wheels when cold (first thing in the morning or before the vehicle has been driven).

How to Put Air in Your Tires

Whether you’re at home or at the gas station, adding air to your tires can be quick and easy. Look for an air compressor at your local gas station just beyond the pump lanes. It may require a few quarters to run. At home, you’ll need an air compressor. In both cases, you’ll need a tire pressure gauge.

• Check your tire pressure. It’s important to complete this step in the morning or when the tires are cold. This will give you an accurate reading. To check the pressure in each tire, use a tire pressure gauge. These often look like a metallic pencil with a sliding measuring device on one end and a tire valve connection on the other.

  

• Park your car in the right place. Whether you’re at a gas station or home, be sure you can safely reach all four tires with the air hose.
• Remove the tire valve cap. Put the cap in your pocket so you don’t lose it.
• Place the compressor fitting firmly on the tire valve stem. Then begin to inflate your tire. You’ll hear air going into the tire. If you hear or feel air coming out, readjust the connection between the air nozzle and the valve stem on the tire.
• Add air for a few seconds. Keep in mind that not all air compressors inflate at the same rate. You’ll want to inflate and check your tire pressure often. Add air as needed. To remove air, quickly push in the center pin located inside your tire valve.
• Replace the valve cap. This helps keep more air in your tires for a longer period of time, and can keep road debris (dirt and more) from getting into the valve.

Les Schwab Tip: If you don’t have access to an air compressor or you’re not near a gas station, a bicycle pump might work in an emergency. Just be warned, it will take a lot of pumping and could ruin the bicycle pump.

Check Your Tire Pressure Monthly

Your tires can lose one pound of pressure per month on average. Over time, those small reductions in pressure can really add up. Anytime you’re out and about, pull into your local Les Schwab and we’ll check and inflate your tires for free.

Can You Drive on a Tire with Low Air?

The short answer is, sometimes. For example, releasing some pressure out of your tires can give you more grip in deep snow. However, driving with low air pressure isn’t encouraged and could cause irreparable damage to the tires or even failure.

What happens if you get a flat and can’t immediately fill your tires with air? That’s when it’s a good idea to change to your spare and get to Les Schwab as soon as possible. If you drive a vehicle with run-flat tires, they are designed to give you some time to get to Les Schwab if you get a flat or experience a slight reduction in air pressure.

Let Les Schwab Put Air in Your Tires

Pull into any Les Schwab location and our pros will perform a free air check and inflate your tires to the proper pressure. It’s just one of the many safety-minded services we’re proud to offer you and your family.

How to Store Seasonal Tires and Wheels

If you have an extra set of tires and wheels for winter or summer driving, proper storage can help you get the most life out of your investment while also having them ready for your next seasonal changeover. We have some tips to help you store those tires and ensure your next seasonal changeover goes smoothly.

Select Les Schwab Tires locations can make tire storage easy. When it's time to change tires for the season, we'll store your other, bulky and dirty tires. Learn more about this time and space-saving option.

When to Change Your Seasonal Tires

It's time to change to your winter tires when nighttime and early morning temperatures stay at or near 40º F. While you won’t ruin your winter tires overnight, they will wear out faster as temperatures rise. Additionally, if you live in a snowy area, consider changing to your snow tires ahead of the first snowstorm of the season.

Should I Remove My Wheels/Tires From the Vehicle for Storage?

While it is advisable to carry a spare tire or have a plan if you get a flat, it’s not a good idea to store your seasonal tires in your vehicle. Why? Because those tires and wheels will add weight to your car or truck, reducing your MPG or range. Plus, the inside or back of a car or truck is not the ideal environment for storing tires. Keeping them there can cause safety issues and premature tire degradation.

Steps to Take When Storing Your Tires

When your winter tires are mounted on wheels (also known as rims), your tires will last longer and your seasonal changeovers will go a lot faster. That’s because we won’t need to remove one set of tires and replace them on a single set of wheels. Instead, we’ll simply remove the prior season’s tire/wheel set and install the next season tire/wheel set, check the tire pressure, perform some visual safety inspections, and send you on your way. Plus, you won’t be charged a changeover fee.

Here’s how to properly store your tires for any season.

1. Maintain Your Tires Air Pressure

   When you have the correct air pressure in your tires, it can improve fuel efficiency and safety. But what about tires that are in storage? Those tires need the proper air pressure too. When properly inflated, tires will store better. Check out how to put air in your tires.

2. Cleaner Is Better

   Grime, tar, rocks, and other debris can really build up on your tires and wheels. Every time your tires are changed out for the season, clean them off before storing. Scrub them with soap and water, then allow them to dry completely. Storing wet wheels can encourage corrosion and/or pits in the metal. Even a little moisture can cause problems. Some Les Schwab locations offer tire storage and cleaning. Find a location near you.

3. Keep Tires Covered

   Once your tires are clean and ready to be stored, put them back into the yellow Les Schwab bags after changing them out. If you don’t have Les Schwab bags, large garbage bags will also work. Depending on where you store them, do what you can to keep dust, leaves, and other materials off the tires.

4. Avoid the Elements

   To get the most life out of your seasonal tires, proper storage means keeping them out of the elements and under a cover (roofline, awning, shed, garage). This helps minimize wear and maximize the life of your tires. Additionally:

   • Keep tires out of the sun. Ultraviolet light can degrade tire rubber.
   • Try to regulate the temperature where your tires are stored as much as possible.

The Right Tires for Any Weather

Your local Les Schwab is ready to help with your seasonal changeovers, including adding your winter tires to a separate set of wheels. It’s a smart move that will save you time and help you avoid changeover fees. Be sure to schedule your appointment to avoid the winter and springtime rush. Or just stop by. We’ll help you get the most from your seasonal tires.

Need Help Storing Your Seasonal Tires and Wheels?

Les Schwab may be able to help. We offer seasonal tire storage at select stores.

Why the Combination of a Tire Plug and Patch Is Needed for Tire Repair

The roads we all drive are littered with objects and other obstacles that can cause serious tire damage. That includes curbs, rocks, potholes, glass, and nails. If you get a flat tire, it’s important the repair gets done right the first time. At Les Schwab, we fix more than a million flats every year. Here’s how we get those done with your safety and wallet in mind.

Methods Matter
Proper tire repair uses a combination of the plug and patch method (also called a hybrid or combination repair), according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). At Les Schwab, we follow NHTSA guidelines and always repair tires using a plug-and-patch combination to ensure your safety.

Always Demand a Plug and Patch Repair

The Tire Industry Association, U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA), and NHTSA all agree that safe tire repair uses both a plug and patch. When done correctly, the combination of the two types of repairs can create a strong bond that lasts for the life of the tire. That’s because the plug seals the casing and keeps moisture out of the steel belts, while the patch reinforces the injured area and keeps the plug in place.

Not All Tires Can be Repaired

While some of the other shops out there might offer to repair tires with sidewall damage or larger punctures in the tread, you could end up with an unsafe tire. The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, as well as the Tire Industry Association (TIA) clearly state that repairs should be limited to punctures less than ¼-inch in diameter and should never be done outside the tread area, also called the crown of the tire, to keep drivers safe on the road. This is because the sidewall and shoulder of a tire are designed to flex and give for a smooth ride. However, a patch isn't designed for that movement and will ultimately heat up and work loose. This could result in tire failure.

To ensure your safety and to help you get the most life out of your tires, we follow strict repair guidelines. We do not work on tires with damage closer than a ½-inch to the sidewall. In addition, we do not repair punctures of more than a ¼-inch on most vehicles, and ⅜-inch on light truck tires.

When you have Les Schwab tires on your vehicle, and if we can fix your flat, we’ll do it for free using the plug-and-patch method. It’s one of the benefits of choosing Les Schwab Tires. Our Best Tire Value Promise includes free flat repairs, as well as free tire replacement for damaged tires that qualify.

What are the Most Common Types of Tire Damage?

If you experience a flat due to damage to the tread area, including a puncture from a nail or damage from a large rock or curb, you’re not alone. Some of the most common reasons for a flat tire include nails, screws, rocks, curbs, potholes, glass, and more.

Take Care of Your Tires with Les Schwab

We fix a lot of flats every year. Every time, we start by inspecting the tire, determining if the tire can be repaired, removing the object (if there is one), cleaning the area, and then applying a plug and patch combination. The result is a repair that can last for the life of the tire.

When you buy your tires at Les Schwab, you’ll get our Best Tire Value Promise. That world-class warranty includes unlimited, free flat repairs for the life of the tires and other value-added free services.