Steps:
1. Let the tires cool before checking
their pressure (tires are more
inflated when warm, less when
cold).
2. Remove the cap from the valve
on one tire.
3. Press a tire gauge hard onto
the valve and note the reading.
The sound of escaping air means
you haven't inserted the gauge
properly: it's either pressed
on askew or you're pressing too
lightly.
4. Add air to achieve recommended
pressure, which is listed on a
sticker on the driver's side doorjamb
and in the car's manual. If you
overfill, you can release air
by pushing on the tiny metal stem
in the center of the valve with
a fingernail or the tip of a pen
or pencil. If you need to guess,
32 psi (pounds per square inch)
is a good rule of thumb for most
passenger cars with standard tires.
5. Replace the valve cap.
6. Repeat with each tire, including
the spare (the status of its pressure
is often forgotten until it's
needed, and then it's too late).
7. Check the tread depth. Recommended
depth differs with types of tires.
For a standard sedan tire, a penny
pushed into the tread can give
you a rough reading. If you can
see any of Lincoln's head, it
may be time to replace the tire.
A $15 tread-depth gauge can give
you a more accurate reading. There
may also be wear indicators built
into the tread; if they show,
replace the tire.
8. Check for even wear (see "How
to Interpret Your Car's Tire Wear.")
If the treads on the outside or
inside are particularly worn,
you may need to rotate your tires
or have your alignment checked.
Tips:
The pressure you see on the tire's
sidewall is the tire's maximum
pressure - a number you don't
want to achieve unless you're
planning on carrying a very heavy
load in your car.
A slow leak may be the result
of a bad or leaky tire valve.
To ensure you're getting an accurate
reading, invest in a good tire
gauge (which should run around
$20).
Go ahead and use the recommended
pressure stamped on the spare's
sidewall to fill it. A smaller
"temporary" spare requires
about 60 psi.
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