Tire Pressure Check Before a Long Drive: A Simple Cold-Tire Routine
The correct tire pressure is the value on your vehicle's tire placard or owner's manual, measured when the tires are cold—not the maximum number molded into the tire sidewall. Before a long drive, check all tires with a gauge, including the spare if your car has one. A dashboard warning is useful, but it does not replace a regular pressure check. Quick routine Park for at least three hours → read the door-jamb placard → measure each tire → adjust to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold pressure → check for visible damage and uneven wear. Contents Find the right pressure Measure when cold What a warning light means Common questions 1. Find the pressure for your car Look for the Tire and Loading Information label on the driver's door edge or doorjamb. The owner's manual is another source. Front and rear tire pressures may differ, especially when carrying passengers or luggage, so read the full label rather than assuming one number fits every wheel. The sidewal...