The Beginner’s Guide to Checking Tire Pressure

Tire pressure might not seem like a big deal, but it can play a huge role in your car’s safety and overall performance. It can be dangerous to drive with underinflated or overinflated tires as this can cause uneven wear, reduce traction, and even increase your risk of a blowout.

Thankfully, checking your tire pressure is a quick and simple task. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to check and maintain your tire pressure like a pro.

Why Tire Pressure Matters

Before we dive into the steps, it’s helpful to understand why proper tire pressure is important. Tires that are underinflated have more contact with the road, which increases friction and causes them to wear out faster.

This can also lower your fuel efficiency, costing you more money at the pump. On the other hand, overinflated tires can make your car harder to handle and more susceptible to damage from potholes or rough roads.

The right tire pressure ensures your car handles well, stops effectively, and gets the best gas mileage possible. The key is finding and maintaining the manufacturer’s recommended pressure for your tires.

What You’ll Need

To check your tire pressure, you’ll need:

A tire pressure gauge (digital or manual)
Access to an air pump (found at most gas stations or for home use)
Your car’s recommended tire pressure (usually listed in the owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s side door)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Find the Recommended Tire Pressure

The first step is to locate the correct tire pressure for your car. You’ll typically find this information in one of three places:

Your Owner’s Manual: Look for the section on tires.
Inside the Driver’s Door: Most cars have a sticker on the inside edge of the driver’s side door or door frame that lists the recommended tire pressure for both front and rear tires.
On the Tires Themselves: Some tires have the maximum pressure stamped on the sidewall. However, this is the maximum safe limit, not the recommended pressure.

Tire pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), so make note of the PSI for your tires.

Step 2: Check the Tire Pressure When Tires Are Cold

For the most accurate reading, check your tire pressure when your tires are “cold.” This means they haven’t been driven on for at least three hours, or you’ve driven less than a mile. Heat from driving increases the pressure inside the tire, which can give you a falsely high reading.

Step 3: Remove the Valve Cap

On each tire, you’ll find a small cap covering the valve stem. Unscrew this cap and set it aside in a safe place. This valve is where you’ll attach the tire pressure gauge.

Step 4: Use the Tire Pressure Gauge

Take your tire pressure gauge and press it firmly onto the valve stem. If you’re using a manual gauge, the stick will pop out to show the pressure. If you’re using a digital gauge, the reading will appear on the screen. Be sure to press firmly enough to prevent any hissing sounds, which indicate air escaping and could affect your reading.

Step 5: Compare the Reading to the Recommended PSI

Now, compare the reading on your gauge to the recommended PSI for your car. If the number matches or is within 1-2 PSI, you’re in good shape. If it’s lower, your tire needs air. If it’s higher, you may need to release some air to bring it down to the proper level.

Step 6: Adjust the Tire Pressure

If your tire pressure is too low:

Attach the air pump to the valve stem.
Add air in short bursts, checking the pressure after each one to avoid overinflating.
Stop when the pressure matches the recommended PSI.

If your tire pressure is too high:

Use a small tool, like the tip of a pen or the back of your gauge, to press the valve stem and release air.
Check the pressure again after releasing a small amount of air.

Step 7: Replace the Valve Caps

Once all four tires are at the correct pressure, screw the valve caps back onto the valve stems. These caps help keep dirt and moisture out of the valves, which can prevent leaks over time.

Tips for Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure

Check Monthly: Tire pressure can naturally decrease over time, so it’s a good idea to check it at least once a month and before long road trips.
Monitor Temperature Changes: Cold weather can lower tire pressure, while hot weather can increase it. Keep an eye on your tires during seasonal changes.
Don’t Forget the Spare: If your car has a spare tire, check its pressure too. A flat spare won’t help you in an emergency.

You can keep your tires in great shape and ensure your car is safe and efficient if you follow these steps. It only takes a few minutes, but it can make a big difference in how your vehicle performs.