Check your tire pressure as cooler weather sets in!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by efusco, Sep 19, 2006.

  1. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    As temps got high this summer I was careful to check the pressure and had them set at 44f/42r during the hottest days of summer figuring that even when it cooled to the 80s I'd be close to my preferred 42f/40r settings.

    Well, we had overnight lows in the low-40s last night and anticipated high less than 70 today. I'd also had a recent freeway trip with a little lower than expected mileage so I checked the pressures.

    Sure enough, all tires were down about 4.5psi from the prior settings.

    I've juiced them back up to 42f/40r (at 60 degrees OAT) figuring that the highs prob. won't exceed 80 by much this year and hopefully I won't exceed recommended pressures, but will still be in a good range as temps start to drop for the fall.

    Also not a bad time to look at your cabin filter if you haven't done that for a while.
     
    #1 efusco, Sep 19, 2006
  2. Jmad1138

    Jmad1138 New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(efusco @ Sep 19 2006, 11:02 AM) [snapback]321727[/snapback]</div>

    Howdy can you reccomend a good not so expensive pressure gauge and air tank.

    thank you
     
    #2 Jmad1138, Sep 19, 2006
  3. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Heck, I bought a nice easy to use digital something from somewhere that seems to give consistant and fairly accurate readings...I think I paid $12-15 for it 3 years ago.

    I also bought a rechargable jumper box that includes and air compressor, light, 12v outlet and the jumper cables. I paid about $40 for it at Sams...there are any number available for $40-80 depending upon brand, features, etc. It's nice to have in case your 12v battery dies so you can jump it (I leave it in the car when I leave the car parked at the airport for vacations). But the main use is for the compressor to juice up the tires.

    I don't think brand matters that much as long as the product has the features you want.
     
    #3 efusco, Sep 19, 2006
  4. yarzy

    yarzy New Member

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    Is it true that I need to check it when they are cold (not driven on for about 3 hours)? If so, I will have to get a portable compresser because my local gas station (with air) is a few miles away.

    Can someone fill me in?

    Thanks!
     
    #4 yarzy, Sep 19, 2006
  5. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Yep... Hasn't been driven for 3 hours or under 1km. Also make sure the morning sun hasn't heated it up if you leave the car outside.

    I checked mine on Sunday. 3 of the tyres were underflated by 4 psi. At least they still kept the 2 psi difference lol.
     
    #5 Tideland Prius, Sep 19, 2006
  6. Beryl Octet

    Beryl Octet New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(yarzy @ Sep 19 2006, 03:03 PM) [snapback]321776[/snapback]</div>

    It's better, but checking them warm or hot is better to running them too low. If you go in the morning, and don't have to drive too far too fast, you are probably fine. I'd recommend one of those little electric inflaters, I have one by Black & Decker that's at least 15 years old, and it has been very handy. Lots of "service" stations no longer seem to have air, or want money for it, and you never know when you might find a slow leak, or a nail, and with this thing I can usually inflate even a flat tire enough to get me over to the tire shop. Not to mention the time saved on beach balls etc.
     
    #6 Beryl Octet, Sep 19, 2006
  7. yarzy

    yarzy New Member

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    Yeah, I think I might stop at pep boys and pick one up tonight...
     
    #7 yarzy, Sep 19, 2006
  8. IsrAmeriPrius

    IsrAmeriPrius Progressive Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(yarzy @ Sep 19 2006, 12:03 PM) [snapback]321776[/snapback]</div>
    I check my tires at home when cold and note how much air I need to add in each tire. I then drive to the filling station, take a current measure of the air pressure (generally 1-3 pounds higher) and add the predetermined amount to each tire.

    For example, at home a front tire reads 38. I like it at 42. After driving to the gas station it reads 41. I then add 4 pounds that I previously determined it needed. It now reads 45; however, the next morning at home, when it is cold, it will read 42.
     
    #8 IsrAmeriPrius, Sep 19, 2006
  9. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    BTW, I've seen a couple posts today of folks with '06 Prii experiencing a (!) circle with exclamation point message on the dash. The found out it was due to low tire pressure.

    Gotta make you wonder if folks who normally trust thier dealer and just run the Toyota recommended 35f/33r pressures are experiencing error generating low pressures just b/c of the cool weather.
     
    #9 efusco, Sep 19, 2006
  10. galaxee

    galaxee mostly benevolent

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    "low pressure" with tpms is detected by a loss of 25% of the set air pressure, not a specific psi.

    it's still freakin hot down here :angry: so no worries about tire pressure loss yet.
     
    #10 galaxee, Sep 19, 2006
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