Checking your Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is an important aspect of your car that should be checked regularly—about once a month or any time your tire pressure indicator light comes on. Not having your tires properly inflated can damage your tires. Under inflation causes greater wear on the shoulders of the tires and over inflation causes greater wear on the center of the tire.

To check the air pressure of your tires, the first thing you will need is a pressure gauge. These inexpensive instruments can be found at most stores and gas stations. However, it is very important that you use a gauge that is working properly so that you don’t add more air than your tires need.

Tire PSIBefore checking the tire pressure, you have to know how much air your tires need. To find out the specific PSI for your vehicle, check the doorjamb on the driver’s side. There should be a sticker that denotes the correct air pressure for your front and back tires.

Once you know the correct PSI, the rest is simple. Unscrew the valve caps and firmly press the gauge to the valve, making sure no air is coming out. Once you have your reading, proceed to put the caps back on or inflate the tire if needed.