Maximize your tires’ performance and durability by monitoring and maintaining correct air pressure.

Air is a gas, expanding when heated and contracting when cooled. For most of North America, fall and early winter are especially important times for checking tire pressure – as the ambient temperature falls, tire pressure goes down.

A good rule of thumb is that every 10 degrees Fahrenheit temperature change, tire pressure changes about 1 psi – higher as temperature rise, lower as they fall. Also, check your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for recommended tire pressure.

Under-inflated tires can cause:

• Premature or irregular wear
• Poor handling
• Reduced fuel economy

Over-inflated tires can cause:

• Unusual wear
• Poor handling
• Reduced fuel economy

Checking Air Pressure
Check your vehicle’s tires at least once a month, when the tires are cold (let the vehicle sit for at least 3 hours). Look in your owner’s manual for the recommended tire inflation for your vehicle. Use a quality gauge. Don’t “eyeball” tires – radial tires can look fine even when they’re under-inflated.

Be sure to look for objects that have become wedged in the tread – they can work themselves further into the tire and cause air loss.

And don’t forget to check the spare