How to Check Tire Pressure

As we’ve mentioned, checking your tire pressure is vital to not only your vehicle’s vitality, but to the safety of you and your passengers. When your tires are underinflated, it can cause tire failure, leading to an accident. Underinflated tires also increase wear, meaning you’ll need to replace them more often than usual.

Your underinflated tires will also use up more gas than normal. That’s because your vehicle will have to work extra hard to make up for the proper inflation that your tires lack, and that’s more money out of your pocket in the long run.

It’s also important to remember that you won’t always be able to tell a tire is underinflated by the way it looks. In fact, when you notice a tire is starting to lose air, that means it’s already lost way more than you think. That’s why checking your tire pressure will save you bigger issues in the long run.

Okay, let’s get down to it. Checking your tire pressure is a simple procedure that only takes a few minutes each month. You can find your recommended tire pressure in your vehicle’s handbook.

Start by purchasing a digital tire gauge and keeping it handy—like in your glove compartment. This tool is usually fairly inexpensive and will be much worth the little investment. Once you have your tire gauge handy, follow these steps:

1. Remove the cap on the valve stem. Try placing it against the tire, so that it doesn’t roll away.
2. Press the tire gauge against the valve stem. Ensure that it seals completely, and then quickly release the gauge. If you hear a hissing sound, or air escaping, you may have to reset the gauge to get an accurate reading. This process should only take a second or two.
3. Read the gauge and determine whether the reading is within the manufacturer’s recommended limits.
4. If the tire pressure is low, you can inflate your tires yourself using an air compressor at a gas station or auto repair center.
5. Once you’ve added air, be sure to do a quick reading again.