Step by step
- Find the right pressure on the door-jamb sticker. Note whether the front and rear differ.
- Remove the valve cap from one tire and keep it somewhere safe.
- Press the gauge firmly onto the valve until the hiss stops, and read it.
- Add air if it’s low, in short bursts, checking as you go. If it’s high, press the pin in the valve briefly to let some out.
- Refit the cap and repeat on every tire, including the spare if you can reach it.
Checking after driving? Warm tires read higher. If you must top up when they’re warm, don’t let air out to reach the sticker figure — recheck when they’re cold.
Why the right pressure matters
- Safety: under-inflated tires grip and brake worse and can overheat.
- Tire life: wrong pressure wears the tread unevenly — see how long tires last.
- Fuel: under-inflation increases rolling resistance.
Your car’s warning light only comes on when a tire is well below the right pressure. See what the low tire pressure light means.
Common questions
Should I use the pressure on the tire?
No. The sidewall number is the tire’s maximum. Your vehicle maker sets the right pressure for your car on the door-jamb sticker.
Are gas station gauges accurate?
They vary. A gauge of your own is cheap and gives consistent readings.
Does pressure change with the seasons?
Yes — it drops as the weather cools. Check more often when temperatures change.