✅ Essential Car Maintenance Tip: Check Your Tire Pressure & Tread
How to Check Tire Pressure & Tread Depth — Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to measure PSI correctly, use the coin test for tread depth, and keep your tires safe and efficient. Includes a video walkthrough and a printable checklist.
🟢 Why Tire Pressure & Tread Depth Matter
Driving with incorrect tire pressure or worn tread can lead to poor handling, longer stopping distances, higher fuel consumption, and even blowouts. Keeping your tires in spec improves safety, saves money, and extends tire life.
🔵 Tools You’ll Need
- Tire pressure gauge (digital or analog)
- Air pump or compressor (petrol station pumps work)
- Coin for the tread test (e.g., 1 shilling) or a tread-depth gauge
- Owner’s manual (or door jamb sticker for PSI)
🟠 Step 1 — Find the Correct Tire Pressure (PSI)
- Locate the manufacturer’s recommended pressure on the driver’s door jamb sticker or in the owner’s manual.
- Note that front and rear tires may have different PSI values.
- Do not use the PSI printed on the tire sidewall; that’s the maximum, not the recommended pressure.
| Vehicle Type | Typical PSI Range* |
|---|---|
| Small cars / sedans | 30–35 PSI |
| SUVs / crossovers | 32–38 PSI |
| Loaded vehicles / towing | Check manual; may be higher at the rear |
*Always follow your sticker/manual over generic ranges.
🔴 Step 2 — Check Tire Pressure Correctly
- Check tires when they are cold (car parked for ≥3 hours or driven < 2 km).
- Remove the valve cap and press the gauge firmly onto the valve stem.
- Read the PSI and compare with the recommended value.
- If PSI is low, add air in short bursts, re-measure. If high, press the valve pin briefly to release air and re-check.
- Repeat for all four tires and the spare if you have one.
Tip: Save your car’s PSI in your phone notes or label inside the fuel flap for quick reference.
🟣 Step 3 — Check Tread Depth (Coin Test)
Tread channels water away and provides grip. Worn tread increases the risk of aquaplaning and longer braking distances.
Coin Test (Simple DIY)
- Insert a coin into the tread grooves, with the outer ring facing you.
- If you can clearly see the coin’s outer ring above the tread, the tire is worn and should be replaced.
- Test in multiple spots across the tire to catch uneven wear.
Minimum legal/safe tread depth: many regions use 1.6 mm. Replace earlier if driving frequently in rain.
🟡 Pro Tips for Longer Tire Life
- Rotate tires every 8,000–10,000 km.
- Wheel alignment annually or whenever the car pulls to one side.
- Balance tires when installing new ones or if you feel vibration at speed.
- Load and speed affect PSI — add a little air if carrying heavy loads (check manual).
🎥 Step-by-Step Video Tutorial
Prefer watching? Play this short guide showing exactly how to measure PSI and perform the coin test.
✅ Printable Tire Care Checklist
Monthly Checks
Every 8,000–10,000 km
Before Long Trips
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check tire pressure?
At least once a month and before long trips. Temperature changes can cause PSI to drop.
What pressure should I use?
Always use the PSI on your door jamb sticker or owner’s manual — not the tire sidewall.
When should I replace tires?
When tread is at or below 1.6 mm, if there are visible damages, or if the tire is older than 6 years regardless of tread.
Do I inflate tires when hot?
Ideally no. If you must, add the recommended PSI and re-check when the tires are cold.
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