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Having been in the automotive service field most of my life, I will give you the simplest instructions on checking your tire pressure.
First of all, you need to know what the manufacturer of your car recommends.
The recommended pressure is often different in the front tires, than it is in the rear, and this is for a reason.
Your vehicle was engineered to be most responsive, safe, and fuel efficient at the manufacturers recommended pressure rating, so heed it accordingly.

You will find the tire pressure "PLACARD" generally located on the drivers door pillar,or door jamb when you open the drivers door.It will indicate the following:

P.S.I.(per square inch)
front wheels
rear wheels

If the placard cannot be located, the vehicle operators manual always contains this information. The dealership service department can also provide you this information
at no cost.

To check the pressure, you will need an accurate tire pressure gauge.
Many gauges are available depending on your personal taste.

On the wheel you will find a valve stem with a screw off cap.
Screw off the cap to expose the inflation valve.
Place the gauge over the valve and push down firmly, you may notice a slight hiss and the will find the indicator on the gauge point to the psi measurement.
If you need air inflate accordingly.
If you are satisfied with your measurement,you are ready to place the cap back on, however, I want to leave you with a couple of important tips.

1. spit on the valve and ensure that your innocent maintenance pressure check did not
create a new problem.You see, the valves are not used every day, they are exposed to the elements of nature and may not seal all the way. Should you see bubbles, simply take your gauge and place it on the valve once again,this time release it very quickly so that it"snaps" back with better force ensuring a better seal. spit check again.
No leaks, screw on the cap and move on.As a technician, 40% of all tires that came in for repairs, turned out to be leaking stems after the customer did a routine pressure check.

2.If your tire is low on pressure, find out why. With the exception of extreme climate
change, there is always a culprit. A puncture, poor valve stem, or bead seal leak are generally the greatest cause.If you have aluminum wheels, the area where the rubber meets the rim of the wheel is prone to corrosion where you cannot see it.

Remember to always follow manufacturer's recommended pressure when airing up your tires.

Learn more about this author, Captured Illusion.
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