How to Check Tire Pressure and Improve Mileage

Driving with underinflated or overinflated tires can seriously affect your car’s handling, safety, and fuel efficiency. Incorrect tire pressure forces the engine to work harder, increases fuel consumption and can lead to faster tire wear and higher maintenance costs over time. Despite its impact, tire pressure is one of the most commonly overlooked parts of car maintenance. The good news is that checking your tire pressure takes only a few minutes. A simple monthly check can extend tire life, improve ride comfort and significantly improve fuel mileage. In this blog, you’ll learn easy steps to check your tire pressure accurately and practical tips on how proper inflation can help you drive smarter and more cost-effectively.

Table of Contents: 

• What Is PSI and How It Affects Your Tires
• How Underinflated Tires Impact Mileage and Safety
• How Overinflated Tires Affect Handling and Tire Life
• How to Check Tire Pressure Correctly (Step-by-Step)
• When and How Often I Should Check Tire Pressure
• Where to Find the Recommended Tire Pressure PSI for your Car
• Tips to Maintain Proper Tire Pressure Year-Round

Frequently Asked Questions about Tire Pressure 

What Is PSI and How It Affects Your Tires

PSI, or pounds per square inch, refers to the level of air pressure inside your tires. It is a key factor that directly influences how your vehicle performs on the road. When tires are inflated to the correct PSI, they maintain the right amount of contact with the road surface, which improves traction, steering control and braking efficiency.

When tire pressure drops below the recommended level, the tires spread out more than they should. This increases rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder, lowering fuel economy and causing uneven or premature tread wear. It can also increase the risk of overheating and potential tire failure. Conversely, tires with too much air become rigid, which reduces road grip, creates a harsher ride and leads to faster wear in the center of the tread. Keeping your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI promotes even wear, better fuel efficiency and a safer, more comfortable driving experience.

How Underinflated Tires Impact Mileage and Safety

Think of trying to push a heavy shopping cart with partially flat wheels, it takes far more effort than it should. That’s exactly what happens when your car is driven on underinflated tires. When a tire is low on air, it becomes soft and spreads out more against the road. This extra contact creates drag, forcing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel just to maintain speed. It’s similar to driving with the parking brake slightly engaged.

Underinflated tires also generate excess heat as they flex more with every rotation. Over time, this heat weakens the rubber and can increase the risk of a sudden blowout. In addition, the softer tire structure reduces steering precision, making the vehicle feel sluggish or “mushy” to control. This loss of responsiveness can make quick maneuvers and emergency swerves more difficult, directly affecting safety.

How Overinflated Tires Affect Handling and Tire Life

When a tire is overinflated, it becomes overly rounded, causing only the center portion of the tread to make contact with the road. With less rubber gripping the surface, traction is reduced, making the vehicle more likely to slide or skid, especially on wet or uneven roads. Because the weight of the car is concentrated on the center of the tire, that area wears out much faster, even while the edges remain in good condition. This uneven wear shortens tire life and can force you to replace tires sooner than expected. Overinflated tires also absorb less impact from the road, so every bump, pothole and small road imperfection is felt inside the cabin, resulting in a noticeably harsher and less comfortable ride.

How to Check Tire Pressure Correctly (Step-by-Step)

It only takes a few minutes to check your tires and it’s one of the easiest ways to take care of your car. Getting into this simple habit keeps you safer on the road, helps your tires last much longer and saves you money at the gas pump.

Step 1: Check the Correct PSI

Before checking your tires, you need to know the recommended pressure for your vehicle. Open the driver’s side door and look for the tire information label on the door frame. This label lists the ideal PSI for your car. Avoid using the number printed on the tire sidewall, as that indicates the maximum pressure, not the recommended level.

Step 2: Remove the Valve Cap

Locate the small valve stem on the tire, it’s the short black or metal tube sticking out from the wheel. Unscrew the cap and keep it somewhere safe.

Step 3: Measure the Tire Pressure

Press your tire pressure gauge firmly onto the valve stem. A brief release of air is normal. The gauge will display the current PSI reading.

Step 4: Adjust the Pressure

Compare the measured PSI with the recommended number. If the pressure is low, add air using a pump until it reaches the correct level. If the pressure is too high, release some air by pressing the small metal pin inside the valve stem, then recheck the pressure.

Step 5: Secure the Valve Cap and Repeat

Once the tire is properly inflated, screw the valve cap back on tightly to protect it from dirt and moisture. Repeat the same steps for the remaining tires, including the spare if your vehicle has one.

When and How Often Should I Check Tire Pressure

Tires naturally lose about 1–2 PSI every month due to the way air slowly escapes through the rubber over time. To stay ahead of this gradual pressure loss, it’s important to follow a regular checking routine.

Check tire pressure once a month: Make it a habit to inspect your tire pressure at least once every month and always before heading out on a long drive. This helps catch pressure drops early and keeps your tires performing efficiently.

Check during weather changes: Significant temperature shifts can cause tire pressure to rise or fall unexpectedly. Cold weather lowers PSI, while warmer temperatures can increase it. For accurate readings, check your tires after the car has been parked for several hours, when the tires are cold.

Since driving heats up the tires and temporarily increases pressure, measuring PSI right after a drive can give misleading results. Consistent tire pressure checks improve fuel economy, extend tire life, and ensure stable handling and overall driving safety.

Where to Find the Recommended Tire Pressure PSI for Your Car

If you’re estimating tire pressure by guesswork or reading the numbers printed on the tire itself, you’ve been relying on the wrong source. The correct tire pressure for your vehicle is determined by the manufacturer to deliver the right mix of safety, comfort, handling and fuel efficiency. The figures shown on the tire sidewall indicate the maximum pressure the tire can handle, not the pressure your car should be driven with.

So, where should you look for the right PSI?

Tire information sticker:

The most accurate place to find your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure is the tire and loading information label. This sticker is typically located on the driver’s side door jamb, but it may also be found inside the fuel door, glove box or door frame, depending on the vehicle. It clearly lists the ideal PSI for the front tires, rear tires and spare, along with the maximum load capacity for passengers and cargo.

Owner’s manual:

If the sticker is missing or difficult to read, your owner’s manual is the next best resource. Check the section labeled “Tires” or “Tire Pressure” for detailed recommendations, including adjustments for different driving conditions or heavier loads. When in doubt, a certified mechanic or dealership can quickly confirm the correct tire pressure for your specific make and model.

Using the manufacturer-recommended PSI ensures better tire life, improved mileage and safer driving performance.

Tips to Maintain Proper Tire Pressure Year-Round

To keep your car running efficiently and your tires in top condition, regular tire care is essential. Maintaining the correct tire pressure not only improves safety and handling but also maximizes fuel efficiency and extends tire life. Here are some practical tips to help you stay on top of tire pressure all year round:

Invest in a portable tire pressure gauge: While gas station air pumps are convenient, their built-in gauges can be inaccurate due to wear or rust. A small digital or stick gauge kept in your glove box allows you to check tire pressure at home, before long trips, or during seasonal changes. Having your own tool ensures precise readings whenever you need them.

Make it a monthly habit: Tires naturally lose about 1 PSI per month due to the permeability of the rubber. By checking your tire pressure once a month, ideally on the same day, you can ensure your tires stay within the recommended range, protecting fuel efficiency and tire longevity.

Watch for slow leaks: If a tire frequently needs air, it may have a slow leak caused by a nail, screw or a faulty valve stem. Constant underinflation reduces fuel economy and accelerates tire wear. If one tire consistently reads lower than the others, take it to a mechanic or tire shop to have it inspected and patched. Fixing a slow leak is far cheaper than replacing a tire prematurely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What PSI should my car tires be?

Ans: The recommended tire pressure for your car is determined by the vehicle manufacturer and can usually be found on the tire information sticker located on the driver’s side door jamb, inside the fuel door or in the owner’s manual. This number is specific to your car’s make and model. Avoid using the maximum PSI printed on the tire sidewall, as that is not the ideal operating pressure.

Does tire pressure affect gas mileage?

Ans: Yes, tire pressure has a direct impact on fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Overinflated tires reduce the contact patch with the road, which can also negatively affect fuel economy and handling. Maintaining the manufacturer-recommended PSI helps improve mileage while extending tire life and ensuring safer driving.

Where to find the best tire pressure gauge? 

Ans: You can find a high-quality tire pressure gauge from trusted aftermarket car brands like Autofi, which offers manufacturer-approved car parts and accessories at affordable prices without compromising on quality.