The recommended tire pressure for your vehicle can vary depending on the vehicle, tire size, and load requirements. It is essential to regularly check and maintain the correct PSI level to maximize tire lifespan and maintain a safe driving experience. Here are some steps to follow to find the correct tire pressure for your vehicle:
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Check the owners manual: Look for your vehicles recommended tire pressure in your owners manual. The manual should list the appropriate PSI for both the front and rear tires, as they may be different.
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Check the door jamb: Nearly every vehicle lists the manufacturer-recommended tire pressures on a sticker affixed to the driver-side door jamb, which is the body pillar the door locks into. It could also be on the rear edge of the door itself, in the glove box, or on the inside of the fuel-filler door. You can also find it in the owner’s manual.
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Use a tire pressure gauge: You will need a tire pressure gauge and air compressor to check and adjust your tires PSI. These can often be found outside of gas stations and auto service centers and are typically available free of charge or for a minimal fee. Additionally, you can use a digital or analog tire pressure gauge. Digital gauges are generally easier to read.
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Check the tire pressure: Compare the gauges tire pressure reading to the recommended PSI for your vehicle. If the pressure is too high or too low, it will need to be adjusted.
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Adjust tire pressure if needed: If the tire pressure is too low, use an air compressor to add air until it reaches the recommended PSI. Do not inflate your tires to the pressure listed on the tire itself. That number is the maximum pressure the tire can hold, not the recommended pressure for the vehicle. Over-inflating your tires will give you a bouncy ride and an ill-handling car, while under-inflated tires can develop premature wear from increased friction.
Its important to note that the recommended tire pressure is a cold inflation pressure, which means the pressure check should be done after the vehicle has been sitting in the shade for a while. This can be trickier than you might think. Things that can throw off the reading include the car being in a garage that’s warmer (or colder) than the outside temperature, having the sun hitting one or two of the tires, or having driven on them for more than a couple of miles[[5]](https://www.cars.com/articles/how-do-i-find-the-correct-tire-pressure-for-my-car-1420676891878...