One of your car’s most basic needs is to have its tires refilled and their pressure regularly checked. Your tires are your vehicle’s main support, so keeping them at the correct pressure has a significant impact on your car’s performance and condition. But what exactly is the correct pressure, and how do you know if you have it right?

Rules of Thumb

For most everyday vehicles, you want your tires to stay at 32 to 35 pounds per square inch of air pressure. For heavy trucks, the number goes up to 55 to 60 PSI, and even larger vehicles, like semi-trucks and other heavy machinery, use even higher pressure tires. If the vehicle is heavier, it needs more air pressure to support it (and the sturdier tires are necessary to withstand the pressure).

Manufacturer’s Recommendations

If you aren’t sure how heavy your car is or how full the tires should be, look for the manufacturer’s recommendations in the owner’s manual or on the tire placard. The placard can usually be found at the edge of a door, in the glove box, or in the fuel door. It will list the recommended tire PSI for your specific vehicle, including any difference between the front and real axles.

How Often to Fill

Once you have a target PSI, keep your tires at that level to avoid damage to the tires. Check your tires regularly since they’ll lose one to two pounds of pressure per month in cool weather and more when it’s warm. If the pressure is low, you don’t need to take it in for an official auto maintenance visit; just fill up periodically at the gas station. This simple task will improve your car’s traction on the road and make your tires last longer.

The next time you fill up on gas, take a moment to test your tire pressure and top it up if needed. Your manufacturer’s guidelines or 32 to 35 PSI in each tire will keep your vehicle safe and efficient.

For 42 years, the family-owned car service company, Ivey’s Tire Service, has served Milledgeville, GA, and the surrounding areas. Their experienced technicians can help you with everything from oil changes and new tires to extensive repairs and reliable roadside assistance. To schedule maintenance, call (478) 452-2621 or visit them online.