Many drivers ignore the importance of proper tire maintenance and don’t realize that keeping the correct air pressure in their vehicle’s tires is as important as giving their vehicle a tune up. With the right amount of air pressure, tires wear longer, save fuel and enhance handling. Failure to maintain the correct air pressure can result in poor gas mileage, reduce tire life, affect vehicle handling and cause vehicle overloading. Simple steps such as scheduled rotations and checking the rubber wear keep your tires going stronger longer.
Furthermore, proper tire pressure is a crucial safety issue. Next to the brakes, the tires are the most important safety devices on a car. Incorrect tire pressure will compromise cornering, braking and stability. And in the worst-case scenario, improper tire pressure can lead to tire failure — and a serious accident.
Tire pressure is the amount of air in your tires. This is measured in pounds per square inch, or psi. Checking and maintaining proper tire pressure is easy!
Follow these simple steps at least monthly:
- Get an accurate tire gauge and store it in a convenient spot (usually your glove box)
- Locate the proper tire pressure for your vehicle (in psi), which is usually found on a sticker in the driver’s side doorjamb or in the glove box, as well as your owner’s manual.
- Be sure you have an air pump handy—either at a local gas station or a portable air compressor at home.
- Remove the small cap on your tire’s air valve and press your tire gauge onto the air valve to get your current air pressure reading. Be sure to check your tires while they are cold—when your vehicle hasn’t been used for at least 3 hours. When your tires are warm from driving, the air inside expands and you won’t get an accurate pressure reading.
- Compare your tire’s current air pressure with your vehicle’s proper pressure for that tire.
- Re-check your tire pressure and add or remove air as needed until you reach the correct pressure for each tire. If your tire pressure is too low, use the air pump to add some air to your tire. If your tire pressure is too high, use a hard object like a car key to push on the pin in your tire’s air valve and release some air. To avoid injury, do not use your finger and keep your face at a safe distance.