Find the recommended cold tire pressures on the vehicle’s placard or in its owner’s manual. The correct value may differ by tire position, load, or wheel setup, so do not use the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall as the everyday target. Check pressure when tires have not been driven far, because heat from driving can temporarily raise the reading.
Remove the valve cap and press a reliable gauge squarely onto the valve stem. Compare its reading with the vehicle recommendation, then add or release air as needed. Recheck the pressure and replace the cap. Repeat for all tires, including the spare if your vehicle has one. If your car provides a tire pressure monitoring system, remember that its warning may appear only after a significant change.
Inspect the tread and sidewalls for cuts, bulges, embedded objects, or uneven wear. Do not drive on a visibly damaged tire or one that repeatedly loses pressure; contact a tire professional for assessment. Check pressures at regular intervals and before carrying a heavy load or taking a long trip. If you are unsure about the correct values, consult the manual or a qualified tire shop.