If you've ever wanted to improve the gas mileage on your Kia Spectra, one way to accomplish this is by regularly checking tire pressure. This helps improve your miles per gallon and prevents blowouts from under- or over-inflation.
Allow your tires to rest for up to an hour after driving your Spectra. While driving, even if just for a small distance, your tires heat up and artificially increase the air pressure. Letting them cool ensures accurate readings.
Use your fingers to unscrew the caps over the valve stems of your tires. These small black plastic tips keep dirt and moisture out of the valve stem and allow for more accurate readings.
Monitor the information imbedded on the side of your tires. Each manufacturer molds the recommended range of air pressures in the rubber. Kia recommends keeping your the tires on your Spectra at levels between 26 and 34 psi. Write this range down for reference.
Place your air pressure gauge over the valve stem and apply pressure. Wait until there is no more air leaking to be certain you have an accurate read.
Compare the air pressure reading on your tires with the recommended minimum and maximum on the side of your tires. If your tires are too low, fill them immediately. If they are too high, release some air.
Consider your tire's load range if you notice that your Spectra's tires consistently low. You can find your load range on the side of each of your tires. The 2008 Kia Spectra is manufactured with P205/50R16 86H tires and has a load level of 86. This means each tire is designed to carry a weight load of 1,168 lbs.
