I was checking tire pressure wrong for years until a new guy pointed it out

Laura Gibson · 2026-03-22T20:40:04.686663+00:00

I always used the same gauge on our old Cessna 172s, reading it right after landing. Last month, a new mechanic from a cargo outfit in Memphis asked why I didn't wait for the tires to cool. He showed me the manual, which said to check at least three hours after the last flight. My readings were off by almost 10 psi every time. Anyone else have a basic habit they had to unlearn?

kaid476mo ago

Ever check your oil the same way?

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karen_roberts46mo ago

My buddy did that with his car for ages, actually.

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king.aaron6mo ago

Man, that's a classic. I felt like a real goof when I learned you shouldn't top off oil on a hot engine, right @kaid47? It's wild how you can do the simple stuff wrong for so long.

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