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How to Check Your Tire Pressure

Tap each step to follow along in order.

  1. Find the recommended pressure label

    Open the driver's door and look at the inside of the door frame (the pillar) for a sticker showing the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure. This is different from the maximum pressure printed on the tire's sidewall, so always use the door label as your reference.

  2. Measure when the tires are cold

    Driving heats up your tires and raises the reading, so measure first thing in the morning or after the car has been parked for at least three hours for an accurate result.

  3. Use a pressure gauge or a gas station air pump

    Remove the valve cap and press the gauge onto the valve stem to read the pressure. Most gas stations and service shops also have self-serve air pumps that make topping off easy.

  4. Understand the risks of low pressure

    Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which hurts fuel economy and wears out the tire's outer edges faster, and can raise the risk of tire damage at highway speeds.

  5. Recheck regularly as the seasons change

    Tire pressure tends to drop as the temperature falls, so it's a good habit to check about once a month or whenever the season changes.

  6. Don't forget the spare tire

    The spare is easy to overlook during routine checks, but keeping it properly inflated means you won't be caught off guard by a sudden flat.

Don't Confuse the Sidewall Number With Your Target Pressure

The number molded into a tire's sidewall is the maximum pressure that tire can safely hold, not the pressure you should actually use. The correct target is the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure, printed on a label inside the driver's door. Mixing up the two can lead to overinflating your tires.

Check Your Battery While You're At It

While you're checking tire pressure, it's a good idea to also look into keeping your car battery healthy. Catching early warning signs can help you avoid an unexpected dead battery down the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I inflate my tires to the maximum pressure printed on the sidewall?

No. That number is only the maximum the tire can handle. The correct target is the manufacturer's recommended pressure, found on a label inside the driver's door.

What happens if I overinflate my tires?

Excess pressure causes only the center of the tread to contact the road, which makes the ride feel harsher and wears out the center of the tire faster.