How Often Should I Check The Tire Pressure On My Toyota?
Making sure your tires are properly inflated is key to safe and efficient driving. Why?
Overinflated tires worsen your grip on the road because it decreases the amount of tread that touches it. This means less stability, less traction, and more possibility of a blowout.
Underinflated tires wear out faster because they heat up due to the additional stress. This makes them lose their tread sooner than if they were operating at the optimal temperature.
Properly inflated tires not only improve the safety of your vehicle but also the fuel economy, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. So, having a habit of regularly checking their pressure is definitely a smart move.
How often is regularly?
At least once a month. Also, it’s a good idea to give them a visual check each time before you drive to make sure you don’t see any sagging or flat wheels.
How do you check your tire pressure?
It’s really simple. All you need is a tire pressure gauge, something to record each tire’s psi, and possibly an air compressor.
Then follow these steps:
- Make sure the tires are cold (or rested at least 3 hours after you’ve last driven)
- Check the manufacturer’s recommended psi that’s located on the driver’s side door jamb or in the owner’s manual
- Unscrew the air valve cap
- Press the gauge to the open valve stem (you might hear a hiss of air - that’s normal)
- Read the gauge and record each tire’s psi
- Adjust the air pressure until it matches the recommended psi by inflating them with an air compressor or letting air out
After you fill them, check them all with your tire pressure gauge again to make sure they aren’t overinflated. Let out air if necessary.
And bingo! This quick and easy habit will have your tires last longer and your car running safer and more efficiently.
Tip: If you’re using an air compressor at a gas station, adjust the proper pressure to 4psi above the recommended cold inflation pressure, and recheck them later when they’re cold to make sure they’re right.
