How to check your tire pressure

Under inflation is one of the leading causes of tire failure, and also significantly reduces the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. So let’s check to make sure you’ve got enough air in those tires. You got this. 

Make sure your car has been parked and cooled off for a while, you’re going to get your best reading before you head out for a drive, rather than when you return home. 

1. When you’re sure your tires are cold, remove the valve cap from the wheel. 

2. Grab your trusted digital or analogue tire gauge and place it over the valve. 

What you’re looking for is the air pressure, and it’s usually measured in PSI, or rather, pounds per square inch. Do this for each tire.

Some cars actually have a TPMS, or a tire pressure monitoring system, on board. This system is designed to notify you when the tire drops too far below the recommended tire pressure. If your vehicle is equipped with TPMS, keep your eye open for this symbol [show symbol] popping up on your dash. 

3. Once you’ve got your readings, grab your owner’s manual or vehicle placard to check the specifications. Your vehicle placard is most commonly found inside the driver’s side door jamb. This will tell you the recommended air pressure for your tires. 

4. Make sure you select the correct tire size in the owner’s manual, as some vehicles may have alternate sizes listed. Your tire should have its size printed on the side.

5. If your tire pressure is low, grab a pump and top off the tire. Measuring as you go. Stop once you reach the recommended inflation level. 

If your tire pressure is extremely low, book a trip to your local Canadian Tire Service Centre to have your tire looked at, as there’s a chance you might have a leak in your tire.  

Keeping your tires properly inflated will help your tires last longer, will help you save on gas and ensure a safer ride. For next time, you got this.