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Check tire pressure and tread

Tires are the only part of the car touching the road. A monthly look at pressure and tread takes ten minutes and a pocket gauge.

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Last reviewed against 2 official sources.

Who this is for

Every driver, including those whose cars have a tire-pressure warning light. That light only comes on when a tire is already well under pressure.

How often should I check my tire pressure?

NHTSA says to check tire pressure monthly and to check the tread at least once a month at the same time.

From: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

What you need

Tools

  • Tire pressure gauge
  • A penny

Supplies

  • Access to an air pump, at home or at a service station

Steps

  1. Start with cold tiresNHTSA defines cold as not driven for at least three hours.
  2. Find the right pressureUse the Tire and Loading Information label on the driver’s door edge or post, or the owner’s manual. Do not use the number on the tire itself.
  3. Measure every tirePress the gauge onto each valve stem, including the spare if you have one.
  4. Add or release airAdd air to any tire that is low. If one is too high, press the valve stem gently to let air out, then measure again.
  5. Check the treadPut a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of his head, the tire needs replacing.
  6. Look for wear bars and damageTires have raised treadwear indicators between the treads. When the tread is level with them, replace the tire. Look for cuts, cracks and bulges too.
  7. Note the dateWrite down the readings so a slow leak stands out next month.

Safety notes

  • NHTSA says tires are not safe and should be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch.
  • If you have been driving and a tire looks low, fill it to the pressure on the label, then recheck when the tires are cold.
  • Keeping tires at the right pressure also saves fuel: fueleconomy.gov puts the gain at 0.6% on average and up to 3%.

When to call a professional

  • A tire keeps losing pressure, or you notice new noise or vibration.
  • You see cuts, cracks or bulges in a sidewall.
  • Your tires are old. NHTSA notes that some vehicle and tire makers recommend replacing tires that are six to 10 years old, whatever the tread.

Sources

This guide is general information written in our own words from the sources above. Your owner’s manual and the instructions for your own equipment come first.

Tell it once. It remembers.

Once a month, with the tires cold.

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