How to Check and Maintain Proper Tire Pressure

Of everything on this list, correct tire pressure is probably the single easiest habit to keep and the one most people skip anyway. It's also directly tied to blowouts, uneven wear, and a good chunk of the breakdown calls we get.

1. Check tires cold, not after driving

   A few miles of driving heats the air inside and inflates the reading. Check in the morning, or after a few hours parked.

2. Use the number on the door jamb, not the tire

   The sticker on the driver's door frame gives the manufacturer's actual spec. The number molded into the tire itself is just its maximum rating.

3. Don't forget the spare

   A spare nobody's checked in years is usually flat exactly when you need it most.

4. Recheck more often as seasons change

   Pressure drops around 1 PSI for every 10-degree temperature drop, so a fall or winter check-up matters.

5. Look past the gauge while you're down there

   Bulges, cracks, and uneven wear all point to problems that correct pressure alone won't solve.

6. Reset the dashboard warning light if needed

   Some cars clear it automatically after a short drive; others need a manual reset even once pressure is fixed.