The Certification/Tire label or the Tire and Loading Information label shows the correct inflation pressures for your tires when they're cold. "Cold" means your vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km). See Loading the Vehicle , for examples of these labels and where they are located on your vehicle. If you'll be driving at high speeds (speeds of 100 mph (160 km/h) or higher), where it is legal, set the cold inflation pressure to the maximum inflation pressure shown on the tire sidewall, or to 35 psi (244 kPa), whichever is lower. See the example below. When you end this high-speed driving, return to the cold inflation pressure shown on the Certification/Tire label or the Tire and Loading Information Label.
Example:
You'll find maximum load and inflation pressure molded on the tire's sidewall, in small letters near the rim flange. It will read something like this: Maximum load 690 kg (1521 lbs) @ 300 kPa (44 psi) Max. Press.
For this example, you would set the inflation pressure for high-speed driving at 35 psi (244 kPa) for the front and rear tires.
Notice: Don't let anyone tell you that underinflation or overinflation is all right. It's not. If your tires don't have enough air (underinflation), you can get the following:
• Too much flexing • Too much heat • Tire overloading • Bad wear • Bad handling • Bad fuel economy • Unusual wear • Bad handling • Rough ride • Needless damage from road hazards
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire pressure. You can't tell if your tires are properly inflated simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look properly inflated even when they're 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/Tire label or the Tire and Loading 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. Recheck 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.
