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:
• | Premature or irregular wear |
If your tires have too much air (over-inflation),
you can get the following:
• | 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.