How to Check Your Tire Pressure

How to Check Your Tire Pressure

Checking tire pressure is easy. You can do it right at home or at the gas station. Just be sure you check the pressure when your tires are cold, or haven't been driven in several hours. This will give you the most accurate reading.

The most important piece of equipment you need is an accurate tire pressure gauge. You can find battery-operated digital gauges, or more traditional stick-type gauge found at most gas stations. A good gauge shouldn't set you back more than $15—a worthwhile investment for a longer life for your tires.

Make sure you have your manufacturer's PSI handy when you're checking your tire pressure, and then follow these steps:

Remove the end caps on your tires' air valves (don't lose them!).

Place the tire pressure gauge into the valve stem and press down quickly to get a reading.

Check the PSI reading. Compare that to your vehicle's recommended PSI.

It can often be tricky to get the gauge to press fully onto the valve, resulting in an off reading—so take a few readings to eliminate any anomalies.

If the reading is above the recommendation, push in the valve to let out some air (you might have to do this a few times to get it right).

If the PSI reading is below the recommendation, fill your tire with air until you reach the ideal level (this may also take a few tries).

In all, checking the air pressure on your tires should take just a few minutes and is well worth the savings and protection you'll gain!