How to check your tire pressure

Keeping your vehicle’s tires at the proper pressure is simple, but needs to be checked regularly. With the correct tire pressure, you’ll have better fuel economy, your tires will wear more evenly, and you’ll have better traction and performance on the roads. It makes it well worth the couple minute’s effort to check and adjust the air in your tire.

1. You’ll need an air pressure gauge and an air compressor. If you don’t have an air compressor, don’t worry. Some AMA centres have free air for members. Or you can stop at most gas stations, but they usually charge for air.
2. Find the correct pressure for your tires. You can find this on the manufacturer’s sticker inside the driver’s door.
3. Take the cap off the tire’s valve stem.
4. Push the gauge onto the valve stem. The little white indicator shows the pressure of your tire.
5. To add air, push the air compressor nozzle onto the valve stem.
6. Squeeze the lever. You should hear air going into the tire.
7. Check often to make sure you don’t overfill your tire.
8. If your tire has too much air, press down on the pin in the middle of the tire’s valve with the gauge.
9. Do all four tires, and don’t forget the spare!

Tip: your front and rear tires might have different recommended pressures.
Tip: some tires are filled with nitrogen. It’s okay to add air to a nitrogen-filled tire.