How to Check Tire Pressure and Why It’s Crucial for Safety

When was the last time you checked your tire pressure? If you’re like most drivers, it’s probably been a while. But here’s the truth: proper tire inflation is one of the simplest — and most important — things you can do to protect your tires, your vehicle, and your wallet.

Tires are designed to operate at a specific pressure — usually between 30 and 35 PSI (pounds per square inch) for most passenger vehicles. When tires are underinflated or overinflated, it affects everything from how your car handles to how much gas you burn.

• Cause uneven tread wear (especially on the edges)
  
• Reduce fuel economy
  
• Create more heat, increasing the risk of a blowout
  
• Reduce steering and braking performance
  

• Wear out the center tread more quickly
  
• Provide a rougher, noisier ride
  
• Decrease traction, especially in wet or slippery conditions
  

Checking your tire pressure only takes a few minutes. Here’s how:

• Find the recommended pressure — Look for the sticker inside your driver’s door or in your owner’s manual.
  
• Use a tire pressure gauge — Digital, dial, or stick gauges all work fine.
  
• Check tires when cold — Tire pressure rises as you drive, so check them before the car has been on the road.
  
• Add or release air as needed — Most gas stations have air pumps. Many tire shops (including ours) are happy to top them off for free.
  

• Once a month — Air naturally escapes over time, even without a leak.
  
• Before long road trips
  
• When seasons change — Cold air contracts, so you’ll lose pressure as temperatures drop.
  

Many newer vehicles have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), but don’t rely on it completely. TPMS usually only triggers when pressure is dangerously low — not when it’s a few PSI under. That’s why it’s still important to check manually.

At Woodard's Smooth Ride, we check tire pressures during every visit — whether you're in for a rotation, an oil change, or just a pit stop. We’ll make sure your tires are inflated properly and inspect them for any signs of damage, leaks, or uneven wear.