How to Check a Car's Tire Pressure

Introduction

Your car’s tires need the proper amount of air to ensure optimum performance. Underinflated tires can cause premature tire wear and poor gas mileage, while overinflated tires can result in poor handling and control.

To make sure your tires are properly inflated, periodically check the tire pressure—ideally every time you fill up your gas tank.

What you need

Step 1 How to Check a Car's Tire Pressure

How to Check a Car's Tire Pressure, How to Check a Car's Tire Pressure: step 1, image 1 of 2

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Your car's tire pressure information is likely located inside the car door frame toward the bottom.
You can also look up this information in your vehicle's owner's manual.
Do not refer to the tire pressure information printed on the tire itself! This displays the maximum tire pressure allowed, rather than the recommended amount.

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Step 2

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Each tire has a valve stem located on the outer part of the wheel that sticks out.
Remove the cap by unscrewing it counter-clockwise and set it off to the side.
The cap is very small, so be sure to keep track of it!

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Step 3

Place the stem of the tire pressure gauge onto the tire's valve stem and push on it with a decent amount of force.
You'll hear a brief hissing noise as the valve stem quickly opens and closes. If the noise continues, you likely aren't pressing down hard enough.
After a second or two, remove the tire pressure gauge. Again, you'll hear a brief hissing noise.

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Step 4

Check the gauge to see what the tire pressure is. If it's low, add air to the tire until the gauge reads the proper tire pressure.
To reset the gauge to zero, press down on the gauge's bleeder valve.

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