How to Check Tire Pressure and Why It Matters

Tire pressure might not be the flashiest part of driving, but it’s one of the most important. Properly inflated tires help you stay safe, save money, and get better gas mileage. Yet according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, about 1 in 3 cars on the road has at least one underinflated tire, and most don’t even realize it.

At SafeWay Driving, we teach our students that tire care is part of safe driving, just like using turn signals or checking blind spots. In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to check your tire pressure, explain why it matters, and give you tips to keep your tires in top shape year-round.

Why Tire Pressure is a Big Deal

When your tires are properly inflated, your car handles better, brakes more effectively, and is less likely to skid or lose traction. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which forces your engine to work harder and increases fuel consumption. Overinflated tires, on the other hand, reduce the size of your tire’s contact patch, making it harder to grip the road and increasing the risk of a blowout.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that tire-related crashes cause over 11,000 collisions annually in the U.S. Many of these incidents could have been prevented by maintaining correct tire pressure.

Step 1: Know Your Recommended Tire Pressure

Every car has a manufacturer-recommended tire pressure, usually measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). You can find this information in two places:

• Inside the driver’s side door jamb, on a small sticker

• In your vehicle’s owner’s manual

Don’t use the PSI number printed on the tire itself. That’s the maximum pressure that the tire can hold, not the recommended setting for your car. For most passenger vehicles, this number falls between 30 and 40 PSI, depending on the size of the car.

Step 2: Gather the Right Tools

Checking your tire pressure doesn’t require expensive equipment. All you need is a tire pressure gauge, either digital or manual. Digital gauges are easy to read, while manual stick gauges are inexpensive, reliable, and won’t have a battery that goes dead. Many gas stations also have built-in pressure gauges on their air pumps.

For best accuracy, check your tire pressure when the tires are “cold,” meaning that the car hasn’t been driven for at least three hours. Driving heats up the tires, which heats up the air inside your tires, and can give you a false high reading.

Step 3: Check Your Tire Pressure

Here’s how to do it:

1. Remove the valve cap from the tire’s valve stem

2. Press the gauge onto the valve stem firmly until the hissing sound stops.

3. Read the PSI measurement on your gauge.

4. Compare it to your manufacturer’s recommended PSI.

If your reading is lower than recommended, you need to add air. If it’s higher, release some air until you hit the right number.

Step 4: Inflate Your Tires Correctly

If your tires are underinflated, add air using a compressor. Many gas stations offer air pumps for free or for a small fee. Some tire stores also give free tire inflation for convenience.

When inflating:

• Add air in short bursts and check the PSI in between to avoid overinflating.

• Don’t forget to recheck all four tires, plus your spare.

Once your tires are at the correct PSI, replace the valve caps to prevent dirt and moisture from entering the valve stems.

How Often Should You Check Tire Pressure

We recommend checking your tire pressure at least once a month and before long road trips. Seasonal temperature changes can affect PSI. Cold weather lowers it, while hot weather can raise it. For every 10-degree change in temperature, tire pressure can change by up to 1 PSI.

If you notice your car pulling to one side, feeling sluggish in turns, or if your fuel economy suddenly drops, low tire pressure might be the cause.

The Extra Benefits of Proper Tire Pressure

Beyond safety, keeping your tires at the right PSI offers some real perks:

• Better Fuel Efficiency: Underinflated tires can lower gas mileage by up to 3%, costing you more at the pump. Doesn’t sound like much, but it adds up over time.

• Longer Tire Life: Correct pressure reduces uneven wear, meaning you replace tires less often.

• Improved Handling: Steering and braking response improve, which is important especially in emergency situations.

For new drivers, this means fewer unexpected costs and better control of the vehicle, which are two things that make driving less stressful and more enjoyable.

H2: Learning Tire Care the Right Way

At SafeWay Driving, we believe car maintenance is just as important as learning traffic laws. Our course informs students about real-world checks like tire pressure, oil level, and fluid top-offs. This approach prepares students to be safe, responsible drivers for life.

Checking your tire pressure takes just a few minutes, but the benefits last for miles. It keeps you safe, saves you money, and helps your car perform at its best.

Whether you’re a brand-new driver or simply brushing up on your maintenance skills, make tire pressure checks a monthly habit. And if you want to build a strong foundation for all aspects of driving, SafeWay Driving is here to help you every step of the way.

Ready to become a more confident, safety-focused driver? Contact SafeWay Driving to book your lesson today.