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Vehicle manufacturers determine this number based on the vehicle’s
design load limit, that is, the greatest amount of weight a vehicle can
safely carry and the vehicle’s tire size. The proper tire pressure for
your vehicle is referred to as the “recommended cold inflation
pressure.” (As you will read below, it is difficult to obtain the
recommended tire pressure if your tires are not cold.)
Because tires are designed to be used on more than one type of
vehicle, tire manufacturers list the “maximum permissible inflation
pressure” on the tire sidewall. This number is the greatest amount
of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire under normal
driving conditions.
Checking Tire Pressure
It is important to check your vehicle’s tire pressure at least once a
month for the following reasons:
• Most tires may naturally lose air over time.
• Tires can lose air suddenly if you drive over a pothole or other
object or if you strike the curb when parking.
• With radial tires, it is usually not possible to determine under
inflation by visual inspection.
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.
The recommended tire inflation pressure that vehicle manufacturers
provide reflects the proper psi when a tire is cold. The term cold
does not relate to the outside temperature. Rather, a cold tire is one
that has not been driven on for at least three hours. When you
drive, your tires get warmer, causing the air pressure within them to
increase. Therefore, to get an accurate tire pressure reading, you
must measure tire pressure when tires are cold.
Steps for Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure
• Step 1: Locate the recommended tire pressure on the vehicle’s
tire information placard, certification label, or in the owner’s
manual.
• Step 2: Record the tire pressure of all tires.
• Step 3: If the tire pressure is too high in any of the tires, slowly
release air by gently pressing on the tire valve stem with the
edge of your tire gauge until you get to the correct pressure.
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