How much PSI am I running?

Question

I want to know how to read PSI on my car or how to when I am running. Is there some kind of formula?

Answer 1

PSI typically stands for "Pounds per Square Inch".

This applies to tire pressure and engine compression and vacuum levels and oil pressure and a few other things like air-conditioning and cooling.

The only pressure that is typically watched religiously when the engine is running is the oil pressure. It will run as high as 100 PSI when cold and drop down to an operating pressure of around 30-35 PSI when the engine warms up or is hot.

There are lots of aftermarket gauges that can be added to the dashboard and or some optional factory gauges that come on some models and not others but can be installed at a later date.

Most of the aftermarket gauges are relatively easy to install depending on tight the space is under the hood to access the various holes (in the engine block, ect.) to install the sensors or sending units. If you have room inside the the dash for a factory gauge it is tougher to have to take the console layers off to get inside the dash. Most aftermarkets can be mounted externally like on the dash or steering column or even on the hood like some of the old hot rods and or drag racers.

There's virtually a gauge that can be purchased to monitor almost any of the various pressures while the car is running. The only way to check engine compression is one cylinder at a time with the plugs pulled out of the head(s).

Good Luck!    

Answer 2

If you are asking about intake manifold pressure, you can buy gauges for that. You can mount the gauge on your console, or under it, to monitor continuously. I have one mounted on my A-pillar.

Or you asking about tire pressure? Some newer cars have tire pressure monitoring systems but I'm not aware of any aftermarket systems.

Or are you asking about oil pressure? See previous answer.

Or you asking about air pressure -- a barometer or an altimeter?

Answer 3

buy a tire pressure gauge.

the recommended pressure in on the door jamb but you should always check the tire because often tires have been replaced.