How to Find the Correct Tire Pressure for Car Tires

Tire pressure effects many different systems in your cart and can contribute to proper safety. The amount of air in the tires can influence your fuel efficiency, your braking power and your handling. It is important to maintain proper tire pressure for your car.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Decide on which tire pressure monitor is right for you and purchase it. The basic tire pressure monitors are metal and have a spot to put on the stem and a "ruler" that will show how many psi (pounds per square inch) is currently in the tire to allow you to adjust the air pressure accordingly. These are available at all auto parts stores.

2. Look inside your vehicle's drivers side door jam to find the place card inserted there by the vehicle's manufacturer. The card will have two different numbers, one for the front tires and one for the rear tires. If the place card is missing, consult your owner's guide.

3. Use your tire pressure monitor to check the current psi in your tires. Start with the front two and check to see if they are at the recommended pressure. If they're not, add or release air as needed to get them to that recommended psi. Repeat for the rear tires.

4. Drive your vehicle for a few miles and check the pressure again. If it is different, your tires may have a slow leak or be losing pressure another way, indicating you need to investigate it further and fix the problem. If not, check your tire pressure every time they are rotated.