With the right amount of inflation pressure, you will achieve optimum tire performance. This means your tires will wear longer, save fuel and help prevent accidents. Unfortunately, a failure to maintain the correct inflation pressures may result in rapid wear and uneven tread wear, improper vehicle handling and excessive heat buildup which may result in tire failure.
How much inflation pressure is required?
If you have purchased your tires from Dunn Tire, stop by any of our locations and have the Dunn Tire Team check the pressure on your vehicle's tires. If necessary, we'll add the right amount of nitrogen to meet your vehicle's specifications.
If you would like to check it yourself, the correct pressure is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and can be found on the tire placard (or sticker) attached to the vehicle door edge, door post, glove box door or fuel door. Keep in mind that the pressure may be different for the front and rear tires on your particular model car or light truck.
NOTE: Evidence of air loss or repeated underinflation requires tire removal and expert inspection. If you suspect that you have a problem, please visit a Dunn Tire location.
How often should the tire pressure be checked?
Check tire inflation pressure (including the spare) at least once a month and before every long trip. Tires must be checked when they are cold; that is, before they have been run a mile.
If your vehicle doesn't have a placard, check the owner's manual or consult with the vehicle manufacturer, tire manufacturer or your local Dunn Tire for the proper inflation. In addition to the cold tire air pressure, the placard will tell you the maximum vehicle load and the tire size recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Can't I tell that the pressure is low by looking at the tire?
Air pressure enables a tire to support the load, so proper inflation is critical.
Unfortunately, as this picture demonstrates, it is very difficult to tell whether radial tires are under-inflated just by looking at the tires.
In the same sense, it's important that you don't over-inflate your tires. The differences are very difficult to see but improper inflation can impact the life of your tires, your vehicle's handling, and your gas mileage.
Remember, if you are checking the tire pressure, it's important to use an accurate tire gauge.