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How often do you audit tire pressure?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by CLJohnson72, Feb 27, 2006.

  1. CLJohnson72

    CLJohnson72 New Member

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    How often are you guys checking your tire presure? I haven't checked mine, yet. Its been in the high 20s low 30s here in Michigan, and I'm thinking I'll not mess with it while its this cold..
    I've had my 06 #3 black a little less than a week, and I'm leaning toward having the pressure on the high side to maximize mpg....
     
  2. tunabreath

    tunabreath New Member

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    It would be good to check it even if you don't plan to change it, just in case one of your tires has a slow leak (as one of mine did at first).
     
  3. Walker1

    Walker1 Empire

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    I check all my cars once a week.
     
  4. San_Carlos_Jeff

    San_Carlos_Jeff Active Member

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    I don't check mine nearly often enough, on any of my cars. Probably about once every 6 months.
     
  5. aaf709

    aaf709 Ravenpaw of ThunderClan

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    I try to check once a month. I need to get a new tire pressure gauge though.
     
  6. jbarnhart

    jbarnhart New Member

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    I check mine every time I start the car! :p Oh.

    You mean actually CHECK the tires, not use the TPMS? About once a week, like the others. After I've had a set of tires awhile and know I don't have a leak I get lazy. I like to check before any long trips, too.
     
  7. Charles Suitt

    Charles Suitt Senior Member

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    <_< I check tire pressure about once a month. I use a commercial-grade analog pressure gauge with about a 3" dial, allowing more accuracy than the "stick type" - I really don't trust the digital gauges I ordered it from Racer Parts Wholesale - about $30 as I recall. This accurate gauge and a 12v mini-compressor enables me to maintain my chosen 40/38 psi pressures. At 15,000 miles, my tires show minimal tread wear.

    One more thing... be sure to check the spare tire pressure (60 psi recommended). I'm still looking for a valve extension since the spare is stored with the valve DOWN requiring removal of the jack and spare to check the pressure. The valve extension would be like truckers use for the inside duals - a hose about 8" long.
     
  8. Salsawonder

    Salsawonder New Member

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    I lke the analog as well. I bought one that allows you to bleed off excess in case you fill too high.
    I check every couple of weeks as I also have a slow leaker on the front. Going to have them check it next service. Might have been the dirt roads in Paso Robles.
     
  9. hdrygas

    hdrygas New Member

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    Sunday AM and if there a big temp drop down. No extra checks when the temps rise. :lol:
     
  10. Bob Allen

    Bob Allen Captainbaba

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    I check mine about once a week or at least every two weeks. I also check if there has been a marked change in temperature. In colder weather, you want to make sure you have enough pressure. If your tires are in good shape, you shouldn't have much air loss.

    Check your tire pressure when the car has been parked for several hours and the tires cooled to outside temperature. Also, note that if one side of the car is in bright sunlight, the tire pressures will read higher on that side.

    One of the handiest gadgets I got for my car was an air compressor that works off the 12v system. This allows me to add air to my tires when the car is parked and the tires cooled to outside air pressure. You can get one for less than 20 bucks.

    Bob
     
  11. KTPhil

    KTPhil Active Member

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    "I'm still looking for a valve extension since the spare is stored with the valve DOWN requiring removal of the jack and spare to check the pressure. The valve extension would be like truckers use for the inside duals - a hose about 8" long. "

    I tried a loger one that would snake up to the left side compartment one, but it leaked, defeating the purpose. I haven't found a high-quality hose and valve combo yet.
     
  12. jw_teacher

    jw_teacher Junior Member

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    Once a month, or every other time I fill up at the gas station (usually the former). :)
     
  13. jamarimutt

    jamarimutt New Member

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    Every two weeks. Don't think that your car was delivered with 35/33... check and you'll see.
     
  14. artie

    artie Member

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  15. robinsod

    robinsod New Member

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    Every 3 weeks to 1 month and before a long trip. I use a digital gauge and have a small 1.75 gal compressor that runs off AC as well as a 12v compressor. I always check after my regular oil change/tire rotation. On occassion, the service crew at the dealership puts the "regulation" pressure in the tires after a rotation. I run higher pressure than "regulation."
     
  16. galaxee

    galaxee mostly benevolent

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    once a month or so.

    i don't like the stick gauges either. DH has a nice digital for work and he gave me his analog to use on the prius.
     
  17. darelldd

    darelldd Prius is our Gas Guzzler

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    Hear, hear! I've spent about $100 on several of these things, and every damn one of them leaked! Tossed them all, and now I just sit here and get bitter. <_<

    BTW, I check my tires at least once/month, and I make them harder for long highway trips.
     
  18. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    I check once a week when in the summer when we have Florida-like weather. But when it's Winter an 18F outide, mayhaps twice a month.
     
  19. rwindsor

    rwindsor New Member

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    We live in Michigan too, and just came in from checking tire pressures. Everything was down a couple #. Most every recommendation seems to be once a month, and that's what we'll do. With advice from Pruischat we keep 40# front and 38# rear. We have Michelin Hydrodeges. You need all the help you can get for those Michigan winters. We didn't go for dedicated winter treads. ('06, level 4)
     
  20. TucsonPrius

    TucsonPrius Member

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    Every Saturday, or Sunday morning, depending on what I have to do....

    Thanks,
    Shawn