Let’s break down what tire pressure is to your vehicle. Each vehicle’s tires have a recommended amount of air pressure unique to their design. Maintaining the proper amount of air pressure in your tires supports the long-term safety and endurance of your vehicle.

You can learn your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure by referring to your tire specification through the sticker on your driver-side doorframe or checking with your car’s owner’s manual. Checking in with the specific needs of your model is valuable, as some recommendations vary from front to rear, while others are the same all around. Recommendations may also vary based on your typical travel distance and capacity.

Typically, if your tire pressure is off, you will be notified on your dashboard. Sometimes these notifications are brushed off, but ignoring this alert could result in a deficiency in your vehicle’s function.

When your tires are low in air pressure, more effort is used to keep your vehicle running, affecting your ride’s fuel economy. Low tire pressure causes your tires to stretch, producing heat that can lead to a blowout. Further than just your tire, your whole vehicle could be affected by altered braking and steering capabilities.

Wear on your wheels also becomes more widespread from both overinflated and underinflated tires, leading to sooner-than-necessary replacement.

Keeping your vehicle’s air pressure at the recommended level can easily be incorporated in your day-to-day car use. Checking tire pressure can be done through air pumps at your local gas station, or through purchasing your own pressure gauge.

It is also valuable to be aware of the effect that temperature may have on tire pressure, with heat increasing and cold decreasing pressure levels.

Sometimes the air pressure of your vehicle is something to open discussion with a technician about. By staying aware of air pressure and wear of your ride’s tires, it becomes clearer to recognize when it may be time to check your car’s alignment.