The tire and loading information label, shows the correct inflation pressures
for your tires when they are cold. "Cold" means your vehicle has been
sitting for at least three hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
See
Loading the Vehicle
, for the location of your
vehicle's tire and loading information label.
Notice: Do not let anyone tell you
that under-inflation or over-inflation is all right. It is not. If your
tires do not have enough air (under-inflation), you can get the following:
• | Premature or irregular wear |
If your tires have too much air (over-inflation),
you can get the following:
• | Needless damage from road hazards |
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Do not forget your compact spare tire. It should be at 60 psi (420 kPa).
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire pressure. You cannot tell
if your tires are properly inflated simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they are underinflated. Check the tire's inflation pressure
when the tires are cold. Cold means your vehicle has been sitting for at least three
hours or driven no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem. Press the tire gage firmly onto
the valve to get a pressure measurement. If the cold tire inflation pressure matches
the recommended pressure on the Tire and Loading Information label, no further adjustment
is necessary. If the inflation pressure is low, add air until you reach the recommended
amount.
If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center
of the tire valve. Recheck the tire pressure with the tire gage.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems. They help prevent leaks
by keeping out dirt and moisture.