Inflation - Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of air pressure to operate
effectively. The Certification or Tire Information label
shows the correct inflation pressures for your tires
when they are cold. Cold means your vehicle has been
sitting for at least three hours or driven no more than
1 mile (1.6 km).
Notice:Do not let anyone tell you that
under-inflation or over-inflation is all right. It is
not. If your tires do not have enough air
(under-inflation), you can get the following:
•Too much flexing
•Too much heat
•Tire overloading
•Premature or irregular wear
•Poor handling
•Reduced fuel economy
If your tires have too much air (over-inflation),
you can get the following:
•Unusual wear
•Poor handling
•Rough ride
•Needless damage from road hazards
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Also, check the tire pressure of the spare tire if your
vehicle has one.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gage to check tire
pressure. You cannot tell if your vehicle’s tires are
properly inflated simply by looking at them. Radial
tires may look properly inflated even when they are
underinflated. Check the tire’s inflation pressure when
the tires are cold. Cold means your vehicle has been
sitting for at least three hours or driven no more than
1 mile (1.6 km).
Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem. Press
the tire gage firmly onto the valve to get a pressure
measurement. If the cold tire inflation pressure matches
the recommended pressure on the Certification or Tire
Information label, no further adjustment is necessary.
If the inflation pressure is low, add air until you reach the
recommended amount. If you overfill the tire, release air
by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the tire
valve. Re-check the tire pressure with the tire gage.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt and moisture.
5-77
