Tires need the correct amount of air pressure to operate effectively. The Certification or Tire Information label shows the correct inflation pressures for your tires when they are cold. Cold means your vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Notice: Do not let anyone tell you
that under-inflation or over-inflation is all right. It is not. If your
tires do not have enough air (under-inflation), you can get the following:
• Too much flexing • Too much heat • Tire overloading • Premature or irregular wear • Poor handling • Reduced fuel economy • Unusual wear • Poor handling • Rough ride • Needless damage from road hazards
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Also, check the tire pressure of the spare tire if your vehicle has one.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire pressure. You cannot tell if your vehicle's tires are properly inflated simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look properly inflated even when they are underinflated. Check the tire's inflation pressure when the tires are cold. Cold means your vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem. Press the tire gage firmly onto the valve to get a pressure measurement. If the cold tire inflation pressure matches the recommended pressure on the Certification or Tire Information label, no further adjustment is necessary. If the inflation pressure is low, add air until you reach the recommended amount. If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the tire valve. Re-check the tire pressure with the tire gage.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems. They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.
