Keeping your tires properly inflated is one of the simplest — and most important — parts of vehicle maintenance. Yet, it’s often overlooked until there’s a problem. Proper tire pressure affects your safety, fuel economy, tire lifespan, and even how smoothly your car handles. Here’s everything you need to know about tire pressure and how to check it.
Why Tire Pressure Matters
- Safety First: Low tire pressure reduces traction, increases stopping distance, and makes blowouts more likely. High tire pressure can decrease stability and handling.
- Fuel Efficiency: Tires that aren’t properly inflated create more rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and burn more fuel.
- Tire Lifespan: Incorrect pressure causes uneven wear, meaning you’ll be replacing your tires sooner than necessary.
- Driving Comfort: The right PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) helps your vehicle handle as it was designed to, making for a smoother, more predictable ride.
💡 If your tire pressure warning light comes on, it’s important to know what it means. Check out our guide to Common Dashboard Symbols so you can respond quickly and safely.
Understanding Tire Pressure
- PSI (Pounds per Square Inch): Tire pressure is measured in PSI. Your car’s recommended PSI is set by the manufacturer to balance safety, performance, and comfort.
- Where to Find It: You’ll usually find the correct PSI on a sticker inside the driver’s side door, in the glovebox, or in your owner’s manual.
- Don’t Rely on the Sidewall: The number on your tire’s sidewall is the maximum PSI the tire can handle, not the recommended level for everyday driving.
How to Check Tire Pressure
- Get a Tire Pressure Gauge: Digital or analog, either works. Many gas stations also have air pumps with built-in gauges.
- Check When Tires Are Cold: Tire pressure rises as you drive and the tires heat up. For an accurate reading, check before driving or after the car has been parked for a few hours.
- Remove the Valve Cap: Unscrew the small cap on the tire’s valve stem.
- Press the Gauge Firmly: Place the gauge on the valve and press down until you get a reading.
- Compare to Recommended PSI: Add air if it’s too low, or carefully release air if it’s too high.
- Replace the Cap: Don’t forget to screw it back on to keep dirt and moisture out.
Tire Pressure Gauge Example
How Often Should You Check Tire Pressure?
- At Least Once a Month: Make it part of your regular car-care routine.
- Before Long Trips: Especially if you’ll be carrying extra passengers or heavy loads.
- During Seasonal Changes: A 10°C drop in temperature can cause tire pressure to fall by 1–2 PSI.
💡 Want to stay on top of all your vehicle needs? Explore our guide to vehicle parts and repair resources to better understand your car and stay on top of future maintenance.
Tips for Tire Pressure Maintenance
- Invest in a Good Gauge: A reliable tire pressure gauge is inexpensive but can save you money on fuel and tires in the long run.
- Don’t Forget the Spare: A flat spare won’t help you in an emergency — check it a few times a year.
- Watch for Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Warnings: If your vehicle has TPMS, don’t ignore the light on your dashboard.
- Rotate and Align: Proper inflation works best when combined with regular tire rotations and wheel alignments.
Tire Pressure and Your Contact with the Road
Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that touch the road — just four small patches of rubber, each about the size of your hand. The amount of tire pressure directly affects how those patches perform:
- Underinflated Tires: The contact patch spreads too wide, creating extra friction. This leads to faster wear on the edges of the tread, reduced fuel efficiency, and a higher risk of overheating or blowouts.
- Overinflated Tires: The patch shrinks, leaving less tread in contact with the road. That means reduced traction, longer stopping distances, and uneven wear down the centre of the tire.
- Properly Inflated Tires: The tread sits flat against the road, providing the right balance of grip, handling, and durability — exactly as your vehicle was designed to perform.
Keeping the correct PSI ensures your tires connect with the road in the safest, most efficient way possible.
How Tire Pressure Affects Your Tire's Contact with the Road
Tread Depth and Tire Pressure: A Double Safety Check
Tread depth and tire pressure go hand in hand. Proper inflation ensures the tread makes even contact with the road, preventing uneven wear. Conversely, low or high tire pressure can shorten tread life.
💡Related read: Check out our blog Tire Tread Depth Explained to keep your tires performing their best.
Tread Depth Gauge Example
Winter, Summer or All-Season, Which Tire is Right For Me?
Choosing the right tires isn’t just about preference — it’s about safety. From icy winter roads to hot summer highways, learn the key differences between winter, summer, and all-season tires, and find out which option is best for your driving needs. Learn more HERE.
Need help on the road? Our Roadside Assistance team is always just a call away.