How to Check Tire Pressure

Purchase a trusted pressure gauge.
Check your tires “cold” – before you’ve driven or at least three hours after you’ve driven.
Insert pressure gauge into the valve stem on your tire. (The gauge will “pop” out and show a measured number. When you hear a “pssst” sound, that’s air escaping the tire. The escaping air shouldn’t affect pressure substantially, unless you hold down the air pressure gauge too long.)
Compare the measured psi to the psi found on the sticker inside the driver’s door of your vehicle or in owner’s manual. DO NOT compare to the psi on your tire’s sidewall.
If your psi is above the number, let air out until it matches. If below, add air (or have a BFGoodrich Tires dealer help you) until it reaches the proper number.

For more information, read below. And to find a dealer near you, use the Dealer Locator at the top of the page.

NITROGEN VERSUS COMPRESSED AIR

It’s pretty common knowledge that most tires are filled with compressed air. But some tire dealers have started putting nitrogen in their customers’ tires. (Nitrogen is simply dry air with the oxygen removed. Air contains nearly 79% nitrogen already. Note: Welcome to science class.) Because nitrogen replaces oxygen, less air can escape your tires, and your air pressure stays higher for longer. Also, know that nitrogen and compressed air CAN be mixed, if needed.

Unfortunately, there are other possible sources of leaks (tire/rim interface, valve, valve/rim interface and the wheel), which prevent the guarantee of pressure maintenance for individuals using air or nitrogen inflation. Tires manufactured by BFGoodrich Tires are designed to deliver their expected performance when inflated with air or nitrogen, as long as, the user respects the pressures recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle’s placard or by the tire manufacturer.

BFGoodrich answers your most asked questions.

FAQ

Read it off the tire information placard inside your driver's door jamb, or your owner's manual. It is usually shown in both psi and kPa. It can differ between front and rear axles, and many placards list a second higher figure for a fully loaded vehicle. That number is set by the vehicle manufacturer for your specific vehicle.

Most passenger vehicles sit between 30 and 35 psi, roughly 210 to 240 kPa, but do not guess from that range. Use the figure on your door placard. Underinflation by even a few psi increases flexing and heat, wears the shoulders, hurts fuel economy, and reduces grip when you need it most.

Unscrew the valve cap. Press the gauge firmly onto the valve stem until the hissing stops. The gauge pops out and displays the reading. A brief hiss when connecting and disconnecting is normal escaping air and will not change your pressure unless you hold it on too long. Compare to your door placard, then add or release air.

Air contracts as temperature falls. A tire set correctly in September can read several psi low by January without any leak at all. This is normal physics, not a fault, and it is why Canadian drivers need to check more often through the cold months. Add air to bring it back to the placard figure.

Yes, and most drivers never do. A spare sitting for three years at 15 psi is useless on a dark shoulder in February. Check it monthly with the others. The correct pressure for a compact temporary spare is printed on the spare itself and is usually much higher than your road tires, often around 60 psi.

Nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen molecules and permeate through the tire more slowly, so pressure stays stable longer. But leaks also occur at the valve, the valve-to-rim interface, and the wheel itself, none of which nitrogen addresses. Nitrogen and compressed air can be mixed safely. Either way you still check monthly.

HOW TO CHECK TIRE PRESSURE