| Check your tire's pressure at least once a month with a tire gauge, which measures pressure in pounds-per-square inch (psi). Tire gauges are available at most auto parts stores. There are basically three types of air pressure gauges: pen, digital and dial. Dial gauges are easier to read then pen or stick designs.
Recommended tire pressures are for cold tires. Therefore, tire pressure should be checked when tires are cold. Checking tire pressure on a car that has hot tires can result in a pressure reading of up to 5 psi higher than the recommended pressure. Look for your tire's recommended air pressure in the vehicle's owner's manual, or inside the driver's side car door or glove compartment. Increase the pressure by 2 to 4 psi when carrying a heavy load or pulling a trailer.
- Remove the tire's valve cap.
- Place the gauge over the tire's valve stem and press firmly so that no escaping air is heard. The tire gauge will indicate how much pressure is in the tire. It is in your best interest to purchase your own high-quality pressure gauge, because gas station and convenience store gauges are sometimes abused and may not be accurate.
- Adjust the tire's air pressure if needed. When adding air, push the air hose into the valve firmly, until the air stops escaping. Check the pressure every few seconds to help judge the amount of air going into the tire, until you reach the recommended air pressure. If the tire's pressure is greater than it should be, use the nipple on the tire gauge to press the center of the tire valve stem and release air.
- Replace the valve cap.
- Repeat the process for the other tires. Don't forget the spare tire.
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