Because tires may naturally lose air over time, it is important to check your tire pressure at least once a month. Over or under inflated tires can cause undue strain on your vehicle, decrease vehicle handling, cause uneven tread wear and really do a number on your fuel mileage!
For convenience, purchase a tire pressure gauge to keep in your vehicle. Gauges can be purchased at tire dealerships, auto supply stores, and other retail outlets. You can find the numbers for recommended tire pressure and vehicle load limit on the tire information placard and in the vehicle owner’s manual. Tire placards are permanent labels attached to the vehicle door edge, doorpost, glove-box door, or inside of the trunk lid (you’ll notice our technicians check this at your services). Once you’ve located this information, use it to check your tire pressure and to make sure your vehicle is not overloaded—especially when you head out for vacation.
The tire inflation number that vehicle manufacturers provide reflects the proper pounds per square inch (psi) when a tire is cold. For a truly accurate tire pressure reading, measure tire pressure when the car has been unused for at least three hours.
Feel free to ask any of our friendly Valvoline Instant Oil Change technicians what the right and safe way is to add or release pressure to your tires. We are happy to share what we know with our members.
