How to check your tire pressure

Keep your tires properly inflated to save you money, lower emssions and increase your safety

Checking your tire pressure is simple, quick and is something everyone should make a habit of doing. Tires naturally loss pressure over time and so their pressure should be checked once a month.

When tires are under-inflated than the vehicle has to work harder to make them turn so more gas or fuel is used. When tires are over-inflated the vehicle will be more bouncy and there is a greater risk of a blowout, making them much less safe to drive. Also, when tires are not at their correct pressure they wear unevenly and need to be replaced more frequently.

Instructions

Step 1

Find your proper pressure

Many people don’t realize that the pressure listed on the tire is only the max pressure for that tire not what it should be filled to.

Instead, check in your manual or on the inside of the driver’s side door frame to see what tire pressure is best for your specific vehicle.

Step 2

Get a tire pressure gauge

To find out what the pressure is in your tires you will need to use a tire pressure gauge.

There are all types of gauges out there, including digital gauges and ones that are attached to air compressors. Whatever one you choose to use just make sure you understand how to use it and are able to get a pressure reading in the units that are most useful to you, usually this is PSI.

Step 3

Check your pressure cold

The best time to check your tire pressure is before driving your vehicle. Driving warms the tires which can then lead to a temporary increase in the tire pressure.

Step 4

Check the pressure

Remove the cover from the air spigot on the tire and press the tire gauge nozzle onto it until you don’t hear anymore air escaping. Remove the tire gauge and see what pressure is in the tire.

You may want to check the pressure on the tire once more to make sure you have an accurate reading.

Step 5

Adjust to the correct pressure

After you’ve checked the tire pressure you should adjust the pressure in your tires so that it is at the correct level. This means either inflating tires whose pressure was to low or letting some air out of tires whose pressure was too high. Many tire pressure gauges have an end which can be pushed into the air spigot to help release excess pressure.

Things Needed