With normal use, a car’s tires naturally lose pressure over the span of a month. Underinflated tires, however, can be a safety hazard. If left unaddressed for too long, the tires will wear down more quickly and need replacing. You should check your car’s tire pressure at least once a month. To learn how to properly check your tire pressure, read the steps below.

Steps:

  1. You will need to purchase a pressure gauge to measure the pressure of your tires if you don’t have one already. Tire pressure gauges are relatively inexpensive, and you can choose from a few different kinds, including stick, digital, and dial.
  2. Wait to check your pressure until your tires are “cold,” or once you haven’t driven the car in a few hours. This will help you get a more accurate reading.
  3. Determine the ideal tire pressure for your tires. This number will vary between vehicles and tire types. You can find the information in your owner’s manual or on the sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb. Pay attention to the recommendations for both front and back tires, as the two may differ.
  4. Unscrew the valve cap—it's small, so be careful not to lose it.
  5. Insert the gauge into the valve on your tire, making sure to form a seal between the two. Once the stick pops out on your stick gauge, or you register a value on your digital one, remove the gauge.
  6. Determine the psi shown on the gauge and compare it to the recommended psi for your tires.
  7. If your tire pressure is too low, add air to the tire and measure again until you achieve the correct pressure.
  8. If your tire pressure is too high, release air from the tire until it reaches the proper pressure.
  9. Repeat these steps for each of your four tires.

Knowing how to properly check your tire pressure is an important part of car ownership and maintenance. If you follow the above steps, you will be able to keep your tires in good shape and avoid damage. If you find out that you need new wheels, WheelerShip can help you out. We carry Acura RSX wheels and a variety of other car parts. We can help you find the wheels you need.