How to check your tire pressure

In Canada, about 70% of cars on Canadian roads have at least one tire that is more than 10% underinflated or overinflated. While incorrect tire pressure may not seem like an issue, even driving with one tire underinflated by 56 kPa (8 psi) can reduce the tire's service life by 15,000 kilometres and increase your fuel consumption by 4%.This is precisely why you need to check your tire pressure regularly as a vehicle owner.

Why tire pressure matters

Maintaining a safe tire pressure is essential in preventing vehicle damage and keeping you safe while behind the wheel. Having proper inflation not only minimizes the risk of tire blowouts but also contributes to better vehicle handling and the functioning of your brake system, ensuring the longevity of your car.

While underinflated tires can decrease your fuel economy and increase rolling resistance, overinflated tires can reduce tire traction on the road, putting you at risk of getting into a serious accident.

Tools you need to check tire pressure

To check your tire pressure and maintain it throughout the year, you'll need a couple of tools to make the process as smooth as possible. Here's what you'll need in your toolkit:

An accurate tire pressure gauge

An air pressure gauge can be used to determine the current pressure of your car's tires within seconds. You can choose either a digital tire gauge or an analog tire pressure gauge, depending on your personal preference. Both will be readily available at your local auto parts stores and affordable. They may even fit inside your glove compartment inside your vehicle.

Air compressor

If your tire pressure gauge shows that your car's tires are under-inflated, an air compressor allows you to add air to your tires to ensure you reach the correct level. Most gas stations and specialized service stations have an air compressor you can use free of cost. You can also purchase a portable one if you prefer.

Your owner's manual

Your vehicle's recommended tire pressure, which is measured in pounds per square inch, will be listed in your owner's manual, which would have come with your car when you first purchased it. Most drivers keep this manual in their glove box. If you don't have a physical copy, you can contact your vehicle dealer or look on your vehicle manufacturer's website.

How often should you check your tire air pressure?

Generally speaking, vehicle owners should conduct a pressure reading on their front and rear tires at least once a month or as part of their car maintenance checklist before a road trip, especially if they're driving long distances to ensure safety.

Maintaining a correct tire pressure in the wintertime is also crucial, as temperature fluctuations can significantly impact proper tire inflation. For example, Transport Canada states that for every 5°C drop in temperature, your tire pressure falls approximately 1 psi (pounds per square inch).

Yet, despite this statistic, only 24% of Canadian drivers check that their tires are at the correct pressure every month. Remember, consistent tire pressure checks can help reduce unnecessary wear on your tires and increase your fuel efficiency, which lowers your carbon footprint, especially during Canada's cold winter months.

Common mistakes you can make when checking tire pressure

Checking tire pressure on front and rear tires isn't the hardest task to perform. But if you've never done so before, it can be a bit confusing, which can lead to inaccurate reading and improper inflation. Common errors to avoid include:

• Checking tire pressure after driving: As your tire heats, your tire pressure will increase. In cold tires, your tire pressure will decrease. Experts recommend checking tire pressures at least three hours after you've been on the road to get an accurate reading with your pressure gauge.
• Using a poor-quality pressure gauge: Not all tire pressure gauges are built the same. Invest in a high-quality digital gauge if you're worried you won't be able to read whether you have the correct psi with an analog tire gauge model.
• Forgetting to check the spare tire: After checking the tire pressures of all four tires, most drivers forget about the spare. (Use our guide to learn how to change a tire properly).

A closer look at how weather can affect tire pressure

Canada has a diverse climate throughout the year. With freezing temperatures in the winter and soaring temperatures in the summer, these fluctuations can significantly impact your ability to maintain the recommended tire pressure on your vehicle.

According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), almost 30% of collisions in 2017 occurred while drivers were travelling on wet, icy, or snowy roadways, highlighting the importance of regularly checking your tire inflation pressure once a month in the wintertime.

In contrast, during the hot summer months, ensure you maintain the recommended pressure in all tires to avoid tire blowouts on the road and avoid purchasing new tires. To navigate Canada's unpredictable weather conditions and terrain, brush up on our safe driving tips guide!

What to do if your tire pressure is too high or too low

When conducting a tire pressure check on your vehicle, you may notice that your tire pressure is either over or under the recommended psi for your car. If this happens, here's what you need to do:

1. Find the correct psi for your car

Before adjusting the air pressure as needed on your car, refer to your owner's manual to confirm what the recommended psi is.

2. Use a tire pressure gauge

Using a tire pressure gauge, attach the device to your tire's valve stem after removing the valve cap.

3. Adjust the tire pressure

Once you've gotten an accurate reading, you can go ahead and make adjustments. Remember, you can do this at a gas station, at home, or ask for help from a qualified tire professional.

For low-pressure readings, use an air compressor to push air into the tire. If the pressure is too high, release air by removing the gauge. Escaping air should make a hissing sound.

4. Recheck all four tires

Now that you've made adjustments, perform a final reading on your tires to ensure they meet the air pressure needed.

Signs of improper tire pressure when driving

Look out for these signs when driving to determine whether there is something wrong with your car's tire pressure:

• Underinflation: Poor handling, high fuel consumption, uneven tire tread wear.
• Overinflation: Reduced tire traction and wear in the centre of your tires.

How BrokerLink can help

Transport Canada reports that 5% of car accidents in the country can be attributed to tire issues, making routine maintenance and vehicle inspections imperative, on top of having the right insurance coverage in place.

At BrokerLink, we help Canadians find affordable car insurance. With access to numerous policies from some of Canada's top providers, our experienced brokers can help you shop around, compare quotes, and unlock savings like the winter tire discount. The types of coverage we can help you purchase include:

• Third-party liability car insurance
• Uninsured motorist coverage
• Direct compensation-property damage
• Comprehensive coverage
• Collision coverage
• Accident forgiveness

To work with BrokerLink, contact us over the phone or email to speak with a broker directly. You can also get a free insurance quote using our online quote tool!

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