Keeping your tires on both your transport vehicle as well as your boat trailer inflated to the proper PSI will help prevent unnecessary wear and ensure safe towing. It’s super easy to do, and you only need two things: a high-quality tire gauge and an air compressor.  

When checking and filling your tires, remember, air pressure increases as the temperature goes up, so it is recommended that you check your air pressure at the start of the day, before you head out.  

Supplies

• Tire-pressure gauge 
• Air compressor 

Steps

1. Remove and inspect the valve stem cap and seal. Replace if cracked or if the seal is missing or damaged. 

2. Locate the recommended air pressure on the sidewall of the tire. On many trailer tires, this will be listed as the maximum air pressure.  

3. Firmly press the exposed end of the tire gauge to the valve stem to get an accurate pressure reading.  

4. If you hear a loud hissing sound around the valve while pressing the tire gauge onto the valve stem, that’s air escaping. You need to reposition the gauge until it ceases. Once the hissing stops, you’ll be able to get an accurate reading.   

5. If the tire pressure is low, add air until you reach the tire’s recommended air pressure by seating the end of the air hose onto the valve stem. When it is seated properly, you will hear air flowing into the tire.  

6. Add air in short intervals, checking the pressure periodically, until you reach the maximum air pressure. 

7. If you end up over inflating, simply let the excess air out until you reach the desired pressure. Do this by pressing the little prong on the reverse side of the pressure gauge against the pin in the inside of the valve stem. 

8. Check your air pressure again to see if you’ve let out the appropriate amount, repeating the process until you achieve the recommended air pressure. 

9. Tighten the valve cap back onto the valve stem.  

Once your tires are all filled up, gather the troops and all your supplies, and go get boating!