How to Check Your Tire Pressure
1. Inflate cold air in to the tires for the most accurate PSI. A common mistake people make is filling tires to the tire pressure stamped on the tire itself. THIS IS INCORRECT. That number represents max tire pressure. The PSI should always follow the recommended pressure on the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.
2. Unscrew the valve stem cap on the tire pressure valve. Avoid metal caps whenever possible as they tend to corrode and become seized.
3. Press the tire gauge against the valve stem firmly. Make sure there is a tight connection to get an accurate reading of the tire pressure. Depending on the gauge, either a meter pops up (most common on gas station gauges) or there is a dial similar to a clock. Your gauge could also be digital. If you hear air escaping, you need to apply pressure more firmly on the gauge against the valve.
4. Check the read out and confirm if it is above or below the recommended pressure. If below, simply add more are and check often until desired pressure is reached. If pressure is higher than required, remove some air, checking often until desired final result.
Additional Tips:
- Check your tire pressure once a month, at least.
- Avoid adjusting pressure when tires are hot. Particularly after a long drive as the friction increases the tire temperature.
- Inflating your tires properly will help them last longer, wear evenly, and make full contact with the road across the entire width of the tread.
- Don’t forget to top up your spare tire periodically.
