How often should you check tire pressure and why?

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Regularly checking tire pressure is essential for safety and tire life. Pressure affects how the tire meets the road, influencing handling, braking, fuel efficiency, and how evenly the tire wears. Tires naturally lose air over time and with temperature changes, so readings can shift without any obvious signs. Checking the tires when they are cold—before you’ve driven any distance—gives the most accurate measurement. The best practice is to check at least monthly and before long trips to catch under-inflation or over-inflation early and prevent unsafe driving or uneven wear.

Under-inflated tires run hotter, wear more on the edges, use more fuel, and are more prone to blowouts, while over-inflated tires can reduce the contact patch and cause a harsher ride and uneven wear. Relying on appearance or assuming tires don’t need attention isn’t reliable, since leaks can be slow and not visually obvious. Use a reliable tire gauge, set to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended cold PSI from the door placard or manual, and re-check after adjustment.