It’s officially fall! Now that summer is behind us, we have to look to the future and start getting ready for whatever the fall/winter months ahead have in store. That’s why right now is the perfect time to get your Mercedes-Benz into tip-top shape for fall. Where should you start with your to-do list? Great question! Well, don’t stress because this week’s blog is ready to help you! It’s no secret that the temperatures will be dropping soon, but did you know that outside temperatures can cause tire pressure to vary by as much as 1 psi per 10 degrees? And if you didn’t know that then you probably don’t know the issues your vehicle can run into if you drive around on tires without the proper pressure. So below you will find tips and tricks for properly inflating your tires this fall. As always, if you’re in need of assistance or even find that your ride needs new tires this season, leave it to the pros here at Mercedes-Benz of Wappingers Falls, and schedule a service appointment today! 

Why it’s important to check your tire pressure…

• Your safety 
• Longer lasting tires
• Improved handling and control
• Reduced risk of accidents and blowouts
• Better fuel economy
• Reduced carbon footprint

Tips for Checking and Filling Your Tires

• When the temperature drops, we suggest checking your tire pressure. 
• Outside temperatures can cause tire pressure to vary by as much as 1 psi per 10 degrees.

What’s the right PSI level?

•  The recommended PSI for your vehicle’s tires is determined by the vehicle’s manufacturer and the recommended tire size.
• You can find this information in your owner’s manual or on the placard inside of the door edge, glove box door, or fuel door.
• In most newer vehicles, your vehicle will alert you when your vehicle’s tires fall below the recommended PSI 
• Do NOT use the max PSI that is printed on the tire sidewall. The pressure amount on the tire is normally the maximum allowed pressure. 
• Over-inflation can lead to poor handling and comfort, overheating, and blowouts.

How to properly inflate your tires.

• If you do not have air at home, most gas stations have an air pump for you to use. 
• Remove dust caps from the tires’ valve stems.
• Insert your tire gauge into the tire valve and leave it in for a few seconds
• When you remove it, the gauge will provide a PSI reading
• If the tire gauge’s recorded reading is higher than the manufacturer-recommended rating, press the gauge tip on the valve stem until you hear air leak out. Check the tire pressure again.
• If the reading is lower than recommended, you will need to fill the tire with air. 
• When filling the tire, firmly press the air-hose into the valve, as you did with the tire gauge
• When you think you’ve added or let out enough air, check the pressure a few times with the gauge.
• Return the valve dust caps