TIRE INFLATION
The most important aspect of tire maintenance is proper inflation of your tires. Most drivers don’t check tire pressure correctly or often enough.
- Purchase your own tire pressure gauge to ensure accuracy.
- Pressure should always be checked when the tires are cold.
- Check all tires—including the spare—at least once a month, after a significant change in air temperature and before and after a long trip.
- Always replace the valve caps to keep out dirt and replace any missing caps as soon as possible.
Vehicle manufacturers list recommended tire pressures in the owner’s manual, on the end of the driver’s door or in the glove compartment. This is the number you should refer to for proper inflation, rather than the number molded on the sidewall of the tire itself. (Note: With rare exception, never exceed the maximum inflation pressure molded on the sidewall.) Any recommended differences in front and rear pressure should also be observed.
Under inflation is the number one cause of tire failure. A tire can be under inflated by almost 50% before it is visibly low. In addition to failure, under inflated tires can lead to higher fuel costs—3–5¢ per gallon.
