How To Find Correct Tire Pressure in Car

You're driving down the road when you hear a loud thump. You pull over and check your tires, only to realize that one of them is completely blown out. If you'd known how to find the correct tire pressure in your car, you could have avoided this whole mess. But how to find the correct tire pressure in a car?
To find the correct tire pressure for your car, the first thing you need to do is find the placard on your driver's side door. This will tell you the suggested pressure for your tires.
If you don’t find a sticker on your car’s door, then you can check your car’s manual for the recommended tire pressure.
In this article, we’ll show you how to find the correct tire pressure in your car to keep your tires properly inflated.
Related: Talk to Someone To Help Answer Your Automotive Questions

The Importance of Finding the Correct Tire Pressure in Car

You might not think that it's a big deal, but maintaining the correct tire pressure in your car is crucial.
That’s because under-inflated tires can lead to decreased fuel economy and decreased tire life. On the other hand, over-inflated tires can cause uneven wear, decreased stability, and even a blowout.
That's why it's important to check your tire pressure regularly, and adjust it as necessary. You can find the recommended pressure for your tires in your car's owner's manual, or on the sidewall of the tire itself.
Most car tires should have around 32 psi in them. It's a good starting point, and you can always adjust it depending on your needs.

How To Check Your Tire Pressure

Checking your tire pressure is an easy process, and it's one that you should do regularly. All you need is a tire pressure gauge, which you can find at most auto stores.
Here’s how to check your tire pressure using a pressure gauge.
  1. Make sure your car is parked on a level surface
  2. Remove the cap from the valve stem on your tire
  3. Point the tire pressure gage at the valve stem
  4. Press the gage against the stem. hold it there for a few seconds, then release.
The number that pops up on the gauge is your current tire pressure. If it's not what's listed on the sidewall of your tire or your car’s manual, then you might need to adjust it.
For example, if the number is higher than what's recommended in your car's owner's manual, then you need to let some air out of the tire. You can do this by either loosening the valve cap and letting the air escape slowly, or by using a tire pump.
If the number is lower than the recommended tire pressure, then you need to add air to the tire. You can do this by inserting the pressure gauge into the valve stem on your tire, and then pumping until the gauge reads the desired number.
Once you have reached the correct pressure, remove the pressure gauge and close the valve stem.

Factors Affecting Car Tire Pressure

Adjusting your car tire pressure is essential, but sometimes it’s not enough to keep your tires healthy. Other factors can also affect your car tire pressure:

Driving Speed

Driving at high speeds highly affects your tires and shortens their lifespan. That’s because the tires lose their pressure under high stress. In addition, the more weight your car carries, the faster your tires become under-inflated.
If you’re planning to drive at high speeds, you might consider increasing your tire pressure.
Remember that not all cars are created equal, and the type of tire you have also makes a difference.
For example, a performance tire might need more pressure than a standard tire, because it's built to handle higher speeds and can handle more weight.
So if you want to drive at high speeds and are not sure what the right tire pressure is, it's best to check the owner's manual, you might also find specific information about how much pressure your tires need to handle driving at specific speeds.

Temperature Changes

Another important factor to consider is temperature changes. When it's hot outside, the air inside the tire expands, which causes the pressure to increase.
Conversely, in cold weather, the air inside the tire contracts, which causes the pressure to decrease.
Some modern cars will notify the driver if the tire’s pressure has changed, however, we recommend you check your car tire’s pressure whenever the weather changes suddenly.

When To Check the Tire Pressure in a Car

Keeping your tires properly inflated isn’t only important for your safety, but it can also help improve your gas mileage. That’s why regularly checking your car tire pressure is a good idea, but when should you do it?
There's no one answer. Though, we recommend checking it at least once a month. On top of that, if you're heading on a road trip, it's a good idea to check it before you go.
Remember that the best time to check your tire pressure is when your car is cold. This means that you should check it before you've been driving for a few hours. Because if the tires are hot, the pressure will be higher than it would be if they were cold.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the air pressure in your tires will decrease over time. So even if you haven't been driving your car very much, the pressure might have changed since the last time you checked it.

Conclusion

The recommended tire pressure for your car should be written on the sticker on your car’s door, if you don’t find it, check your car’s manual.
If you need to check the tire pressure in your car, all you need is a tire pressure gauge, which you can pick up at any hardware store. Just insert the gauge into the valve on the tire, and it will tell you what the pressure is.
Now that you know how to find the correct tire pressure in your car, it's time to get out there and check your tires!