Guide 08 · Maintenance
Check tire pressure and tread the right way
Set your tires to the pressure on the driver's door-jamb sticker, not the number on the tire, and check them cold once a month.
Easy 10 minutes The cheapest safety upgrade there is
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Tools I used
| Tool | Why you need it | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Portable 12 V tire inflator | Fills tires anywhere, no gas-station hunting | Check price → |
| Digital tire pressure gauge | Gas-station gauges are often off | Check price → |
| Tread depth gauge | Tells you when tires are done | Check price → |
| Valve cap set | Keeps dirt and moisture out of the valve | Check price → |
Shop the whole kit
4 tools, one click, straight into your Amazon cart.
Add all 4 to cart →4 tools, one click, straight into your Amazon cart.
Steps
- Check in the morning before driving. Warm tires read high.
- Find the recommended pressure on the sticker inside the driver's door jamb (or in the manual).
- Remove the valve cap, press the gauge on firmly and read it.
- Add air in short bursts with the inflator, re-checking as you go. Let air out by pressing the valve pin if you overshoot.
- Check all four, plus the spare if you have one.
- Measure tread depth in the main grooves at the inside, centre and outside of each tire.
Pro tips
- The number on the tire sidewall is the maximum the tire can hold, not what your car needs.
- Tires lose roughly 1 PSI for every 5–6 °C drop in temperature. Re-check when the cold snaps hit.
- Uneven wear (inside or outside edge only) usually means an alignment problem.
Find a pro near you
When to call a pro
A tire keeps losing air (likely a puncture or leaking valve), there's a bulge in the sidewall (replace it, don't drive on it), or tread is close to worn out.
Rather not DIY it? Tell us where you are and local shops will send you a quote.