Tire pressure and rotation: the basics
Correct pressure and regular rotation are the two biggest things you can do for tire life, fuel economy and safety.
10 minutes a monthEasyAdds thousands of miles to your tires
What you need
- A tire pressure gauge
- An air compressor or gas-station air pump
Steps
- Find your car's correct pressure on the sticker inside the driver's door jamb. The number on the tire sidewall is the maximum, not the target.
- Check pressure when the tires are cold, before driving or after the car sits for a few hours.
- Add or let out air until each tire matches the sticker, including the spare if you have one.
- Rotate tires at the interval in your manual, usually every 5,000–7,500 miles. Many tire shops do it free if you bought your tires there.
- Replace tires at 2/32" of tread (the top of Lincoln's head on a penny) or at about 6 years old.
Tips: Pressure drops about 1 psi for every 10°F of temperature drop, so check more often in fall.
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