Maintaining proper tire pressure is often overlooked. But it’s an important maintenance task that can help keep your Ford running at its best. It’s a simple task requiring minimal time and effort, but it can go a long way toward improving your vehicle’s performance and safety. Our Jim Burke Ford service team has compiled this helpful guide to explain why and how you should keep your Ford’s tires properly inflated.
Why Proper Tire Pressure Matters
Your tires are among the most critical components of your Ford vehicle; they significantly impact your driving experience and safety. They’re also expensive, so keeping them in good condition makes sense. Let’s look at a few reasons why proper tire pressure matters:
- Better gas mileage: Your engine needs to work harder to move your vehicle when your tires are underinflated, increasing fuel consumption. Keep your tires at the correct pressure to save money on gas.
- Improved safety: Well-maintained tires can improve your vehicle’s traction, making it less likely to slip, skid, or roll over on slick roads. They also reduce the risk of blowouts.
- Enhanced performance and handling: Your Ford’s performance and ride quality also depend on your tires. If your tires are correctly inflated, they can help your car smooth out uneven surfaces, brake more effectively, and deliver more engine power.
- Less wear and tear: Properly inflated tires tend to wear more slowly and evenly than neglected ones. This can extend your tire replacement intervals and save you money at the same time.
Ford Tire Pressure Overview
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Ford F-150:
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Front tires: 30 to 35 psi
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Rear tires: 40 to 45 psi
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Ford F-Series Super Duty (e.g., F-250, F-350):
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Front tires: 60 psi
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Rear tires: 70 to 80 psi
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Ford Fusion: 32-36 psi
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Ford Escape: 32-36 psi
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Ford Edge: 32-36 psi
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Ford Explorer: 32-36 psi
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Ford Expedition: 32-36 psi
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Ford Mustang: 32-35 psi
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Ford Bronco: 30-35 psi
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Ford Ranger: 30-35 psi
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Ford Transit: 50-55 psi
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Ford Maverick: 32-35 psi
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Ford Focus: 32-35 psi
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Ford Taurus: 32-35 psi
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Ford Fiesta: 32-35 psi
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Ford C-Max: 35-38 psi
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Ford EcoSport: 32-35 psi
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Ford Flex: 32-35 psi
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Ford GT: 30-35 psi
The recommended tire pressure for Ford vehicles may vary from one model to another. Generally, you should maintain a tire pressure of 32 to 36 pounds per square inch (PSI). This is the ideal tire pressure for most Fords. You can learn the recommended tire pressure for your specific Ford model by checking the door jamb label on the driver’s side, the tire label, or the owner’s manual.
How To Check Your Tire Pressure
It’s advisable to check your tire pressure monthly or before you go on a trip. Remember that hot tires may give inaccurate pressure readings, so you should wait at least three hours for them to cool down. Pick up a quality tire pressure gauge from a service station or auto parts store before you start, then follow these steps to check your tire pressure:
- Remove the air valve cap on the tire and put it somewhere safe.
- Fit the tire gauge over the valve stem for one or two seconds. The measuring bar will pop out.
- Read the pressure level shown on the bar.
- Compare the reading with the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle.
- Replace the air valve cap.
- Repeat the process for the other tires.
How To Adjust Tire Pressure
If the tire pressure is lower than your Ford’s recommended tire pressure, you need to inflate your tires. If it’s higher you’ll need to deflate your tires. You can inflate your tires with a portable air compressor or an air pump at a gas station.
Inflating Tires
Here is how you can add air to your tires:
- Park your vehicle close to the compressor so the hose can reach all four tires.
- Remove the air valve cap on one of the tires.
- Press the hose nozzle firmly down on the open valve stem. Air will flow through the hose automatically or after you depress the lever.
- Use a gauge to check the pressure and keep filling until you reach the recommended level.
- Screw the air valve cap back on.
- Repeat the process for the other three tires.
Deflating Tires
This is how you release air from your tires:
- Unscrew the air valve cap on the tire.
- Press the tip of a screwdriver or thin tool against the metal pin in the center of the valve stem. This will cause pressurized air to escape through the valve.
- Release air from the tire until the pressure reaches the correct level.
- Lift the tool off the pin to stop the tire from deflating further.
- Replace the air valve cap.
- Repeat the process for the remaining tires.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Many new Ford vehicles are equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This system can automatically detect underinflated tires. It uses a series of sensors on each wheel to continuously monitor the tire pressure levels, and it’ll illuminate the TPMS warning light on the dashboard if your tire pressure has fallen dangerously low. You should immediately check and adjust your tire pressure or take your car to your local Ford service center when you see this light come on.
Seasonal Considerations
Temperature will affect your Ford’s tire pressure as seasons change. Typically, your tires will gain or lose 1 PSI when the temperature increases or decreases by 10 degrees Fahrenheit. As a result, your tires tend to become overinflated in summer and underinflated in winter, so check and adjust your tire pressure frequently in extreme temperatures.
Tire Services at Jim Burke Ford
Properly maintaining your Ford’s tires can make your trips more pleasant and worry-free and save you money. If you’re looking for reliable Ford tire services in Bakersfield, California, bring your vehicle to Jim Burke Ford. At our Bakersfield service center, you can get any necessary services to keep your tires in tip-top shape, including inspections, rotations, balancing, and replacements. Our factory-certified tire specialists know Ford models’ tires inside and out, so you can count on us to do a great job on your vehicle. Contact us today to schedule a service appointment.
