Tire Pressure Checklist
Ensure safety and fuel efficiency with this comprehensive tire pressure checklist. Learn how to check PSI, inspect for leaks, and maintain your spare tire correctly.
Overview
Summary and key details for this checklist.
Tire pressure management is a fundamental skill for every car owner. Properly inflated tires ensure that the vehicle's weight is distributed evenly across the tire's tread pattern, which prevents uneven wear and extends the life of the rubber. Under-inflated tires create excessive heat and rolling resistance, which can lead to catastrophic tire failure and significantly reduced miles per gallon.
This process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes for a DIYer and is often performed for free or a nominal fee at most professional service shops. We recommend performing this check at least once a month and before any significant road trip to ensure maximum safety and performance.
Printable Checklist
A clean, scannable checklist view. (You can export/print from the sidebar.)
| Item | Priority | Who | Time | What to check (Pass/Fail) | If failed (Next step) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driver Front PSI Check | Required | DIY | 2 min | Matches door jamb sticker PSI | Inflate or deflate to spec |
| Passenger Front PSI Check | Required | DIY | 2 min | Matches door jamb sticker PSI | Inflate or deflate to spec |
| Driver Rear PSI Check | Required | DIY | 2 min | Matches door jamb sticker PSI | Inflate or deflate to spec |
| Passenger Rear PSI Check | Required | DIY | 2 min | Matches door jamb sticker PSI | Inflate or deflate to spec |
| Spare Tire PSI Check | Required | DIY | 5 min | Usually higher (check manual/sidewall) | Inflate to spare-specific PSI |
| Valve Stem Cap Presence | Recommended | DIY | 1 min | All caps present and tight | Replace missing caps |
| Valve Stem Condition | Required | DIY | 2 min | No cracks, leaks, or audible hissing | Replace valve stem at tire shop |
| Sidewall Inspection | Required | DIY | 3 min | No bulges, cuts, or deep gouges | Replace tire immediately |
| Tread Depth Check | Required | DIY | 4 min | Above 2/32 inch (or 4/32 for winter) | Plan for tire replacement |
| Uneven Wear Pattern | Recommended | DIY | 3 min | Even wear across the whole tread | Check alignment and suspension |
| Slow Leak Detection | Recommended | DIY | 5 min | No rapid drop since last check | Inspect for nails/screws |
| TPMS Light Status | Required | DIY | 1 min | Light is OFF after adjustment | Reset TPMS or see mechanic |
| Dry Rot Inspection | Recommended | DIY | 2 min | No spiderweb cracking on rubber | Replace tires due to age |
| Wheel Rim Condition | Recommended | DIY | 2 min | No significant bends or cracks | Professional rim repair/replace |
| Lug Nut Visual Check | Required | DIY | 2 min | All nuts present and seated | Tighten or replace missing nuts |
| Tire Age (DOT Code) | Optional | DIY | 3 min | Manufactured within last 6 years | Replace if over 10 years old |
| Object Removal | Recommended | DIY | 3 min | No gravel/stones stuck in tread | Carefully remove debris |
| Winter/Summer Swap | Optional | Shop | 30 min | Correct seasonal tires installed | Schedule seasonal swap |
To use this checklist effectively, start at the driver's side front tire and move clockwise around the vehicle. Always record your initial "cold" readings before adding air, as this helps you track if one specific tire is losing air faster than the others over time.
If you discover a puncture, such as a nail or screw in the tread, do not pull it out yourself unless you are prepared to plug it immediately. Take the vehicle to a professional tire shop where they can perform a proper internal patch and plug repair.
Notes
Extra context, cautions, and helpful tips.
Consistency is key to tire longevity. Keeping a small logbook in your glovebox can help you identify trends, such as a slow leak that might otherwise go unnoticed until a blowout occurs.
- Always replace valve caps to keep dirt and moisture out of the valve core.
- Dispose of old tires at authorized recycling centers or tire shops.
- Reset your TPMS system according to the owner's manual after every adjustment.
- If you find yourself adding air every week, you likely have a puncture or a bead leak.
- Check your tires more frequently during the transition into winter months.
- Consider nitrogen inflation if you want more stable pressure, though air is perfectly fine.
- Keep a tire pressure gauge in every vehicle you own.
- Inspect the "inside" sidewall (facing the car) if you hit a large pothole.
- Browse similar checklists like our Tire Rotation guide.
- Check out the Master Maintenance list for more tips.
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FAQ
Common questions about this checklist.
Start from the complete car maintenance checklist, then narrow down by mileage, interval, and season.