To keep your car running for as long as possible, you will want to do regular car maintenance. Part of that is making sure your tires are in working condition. While much car maintenance requires the work of a technician, this one of the things you can do yourself.
To check your tire pressure, all you need is a simple tire air pressure gauge. You can find one at most auto parts stores for just a few dollars. There are digital gauges, but it’s not usually going to change the accuracy of the read. You will want to make sure that whatever gauge you get measure in pounds per square inch (PSI). Keep it in your car so that it’s handy and available at all times. Air machines typically have gauges on them, but they can be inaccurate after so much use so it’s best not to rely on them if possible.
To get the reading, place the gauge onto the tire’s valve stem, the thin air nozzle on the side of the tire. You’ll want to place it evenly. Air might escape at first, but once you press the gauge firmly, it will stop the air flow. A traditional gauge’s metered stick will then be blown out by the air. A digital model gauge will give you a simple reading.
Now that you’ve checked the PSI, what is right for your car? Often times, the tires themselves have it written on the raised side, but sometimes the maximum is listed rather than the recommended. In that case, you should consult your owner’s manual or the sticker on the door of driver’s side. It is important to stay as close to the recommended PSI as possible. Underinflating them cam lead to wearing the side of the tires while overinflating them can lead to a blowout. If you maintain your tire pressure as recommended, it will help keep your car in tip-top shape.